US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attend a key meeting during the NATO summit held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The primary focus of their discussion was on defense priorities and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The leaders also discussed regional issues of common interest, including their support for Ukraine and the importance of maintaining stability in the Aegean region.
During the meeting, President Biden congratulated President Erdogan on the successful agreement between Turkey, Sweden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg regarding Sweden’s NATO membership. This development paves the way for Sweden to join the alliance, thereby contributing to its strength and security.
President Erdogan expressed his gratitude to President Biden for his well wishes on his successful election. In response, President Biden wished Erdogan the best of luck in the upcoming elections. The details of their talks were not made public due to the sensitivity of defense and security matters.
The NATO summit took place amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been a central concern for the alliance since Russia’s invasion in February last year. The meeting between Biden and Erdogan holds significant diplomatic significance, as it strengthens Turkey’s support for Sweden’s NATO membership and opens the way for increased defense cooperation.
In a statement shared on Twitter, President Erdogan highlighted the discussion on bilateral relations and opportunities for potential security cooperation, expressing his desire for beneficial outcomes for Turkey.
The success of the meeting has set the stage for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in various strategic areas.
The diplomatic success in granting NATO membership to Sweden was a major highlight in the run up to the summit. After months of negotiations, the agreement was reached and Turkey finally gave its approval. President Biden previously revealed that the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey was part of a strategy to secure Turkey’s support for Sweden’s membership.
As the NATO summit came to an end, the meeting between Biden and Erdogan marked an important milestone in cementing defense priorities and fostering stronger ties between the United States and Turkey. The discussions held will contribute to the stability and security of the region while further shaping the dynamics of NATO’s defense capabilities.
