Donald Trump: We have very good relations with Turkey

We have very good relations with Turkey.

This was stated by US President Donald Trump at a press conference in Ankara, answering questions from a Haber Global correspondent.

Responding to the journalist's questions: "After your meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, did you manage to reach an agreement on Turkey's return to the F-35 program? Are Turkish-American relations entering a new phase?", Trump recalled that relations between the US and Turkey were good during his first presidential term as well:

"Yes, during my first presidential term, we had very good relations with the esteemed Erdoğan. One pastor was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He is a very good person. I called Erdoğan, and he was released. I didn't pay anything, like Obama or Biden. They paid Iran billions of dollars. I didn't pay anyone for anyone. I just said: release him, and he was released. I've said this before — Erdoğan is a very good person.

When Biden was president, quite a few unpleasant things happened. Our relations deteriorated with a number of countries. Turkey was one of them. But the situation has changed. After the November 5 election, everything changed. Now we have the best relations with Turkey. The F-35s are the best fighter jets in the world. Everyone wants to acquire them. We have a decision to make."

The US President once again emphasized that Washington maintains very good relations with Ankara:

"Turkey is a very large country. It is also very strong militarily. It is the second most powerful country in NATO. I have not made a final decision yet. But Mr. Erdoğan has provided us with great assistance on many issues."