President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday about developments in Syria and work tied to the Gaza “Board of Peace.”
The leaders also discussed bilateral ties, including trade and cooperation in the defense industry, as well as regional and global issues, according to a Turkish presidency statement.
Erdoğan told Trump that Ankara attaches importance to the full implementation of the ceasefire and “integration” agreement in neighboring Syria and is monitoring the process in coordination with U.S. and Syrian authorities, it said.
Erdoğan also voiced hope that the Gaza Board of Peace will deliver results, saying ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rebuilding the enclave could pave the way for lasting regional peace.
Trump has described his recent outreach on Syria in upbeat terms. Speaking to reporters, he said he had a “great conversation” with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and that developments were “working out very well.”
A statement from the Syrian presidency said al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s commitment to territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and the state’s aim of preserving institutions and promoting civil peace.
In a Fox News interview, Trump said he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had “solved a tremendous problem” “in conjunction with Syria” and “saved many lives,” without giving details.
The United States had allied with the Syrian Democratic Forces beginning over a decade ago to fight the ISIL extremist group, which had gained control over vast swathes of Syria and Iraq.
But Trump envoy Tom Barrack said this month that the partnership had outlived its usefulness and backed the Syrian government's efforts.
