Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged for a revitalized partnership between Türkiye and the United States, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation to address global conflicts and crises. Speaking at the “100 Years of Friendship Gala” in New York, Erdoğan highlighted the positive outcomes achieved through collaboration between the two NATO allies, particularly in the Middle East, and expressed Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing ties with Washington.

Erdoğan pointed to potential areas for expanded cooperation, including nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas, civil aviation, high technology, and defense. He called for the removal of barriers to joint defense production, noting Türkiye’s burgeoning defense industry. He reported that Türkiye’s annual defense exports had surged from approximately $248 million two decades ago to over $10 billion, positioning the country to become one of the top 10 global defense exporters.

The Turkish President also encouraged American investors to explore opportunities within Türkiye, highlighting the nation’s foreign investment prospects and new incentives aimed at attracting investors. He announced a new investment initiative based on a competitive incentive framework designed to bolster economic ties.

US Senator Chris Coons, present at the event, underscored the longstanding partnership between the two nations, focusing on the pivotal role of business connections and entrepreneurship in fortifying bilateral relations. The gathering brought together senior officials and business leaders from both countries to celebrate the enduring diplomatic and economic links between Türkiye and the United States.