Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged for enhanced relations between Türkiye and the United States, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue and cooperation against a backdrop of global conflicts. Speaking at the “100 Years of Friendship Gala” in New York, Erdoğan underscored the positive outcomes of collaboration between the two NATO allies, particularly in the Middle East.
Erdoğan highlighted potential areas for expanded cooperation, including nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas, civil aviation, high technology, and the defense industry. He stressed the importance of removing barriers to joint defense production and noted that Türkiye’s defense exports have surged from approximately $248 million two decades ago to over $10 billion, positioning the country as a potential top ten global defense exporter.
In addition to defense, Erdoğan invited U.S. investors to seize opportunities in Türkiye, where new investment incentives are being introduced. He outlined Ankara’s commitment to launching a new investment drive built on a competitive incentive framework.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons, also present at the event, praised the enduring partnership between the two nations, highlighting the role of business and entrepreneurship in strengthening bilateral ties. The gala, which celebrated a century of diplomatic and economic relations, gathered senior officials and business leaders from both countries.