Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, his country beliefs that our common interests with the United States far outweigh our differences in opinion, and Ankara wants to boost cooperation with Washington through “a long-term perspective on a win-win basis.” He further said that Turkey will continue to do its part in a manner worthy of the allied and strategic partnership ties between the two countries, however, the relationship between the two countries has been “seriously tested” recently.
The relations between Turkey and the United States were souring by mid of last decade due to us affiliation with Kurd separatist group PKK and on Mr. Fethullah Gulen, founder of Gulen movement who is believed to be the master mind of failed attempted coup against Erdogan in 2016. However, the Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 air defense system proved to be the final nail in their bilateral relations.
Turkey remained closed and trustful NATO alley of the United States for years. Turkey was the main regional partner with US during first and second gulf wars. In fact, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came in power in Turkey, it modified the Turkish policy from liberalism to conservatism and brought significant changes in country’s foreign policy. After acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense system, United States imposed sanctions on the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and also suspended Turkey participation in F-35 Air Craft program.
Now, it seems, Turkey wants to reengage with United States and the statement of President Tayyip Erdogan is just as opening of a window. On other hand, there is new Biden administration having huge difference of priorities as that of Trump era. Mostly analysts opined that Biden administration will keep a balance in its interests and will not go far in punitive policies to create more gap between two nations, which may lead Turkey into Russian camp. According to regional experts, United States and EU will keep the Turkey engage up to some extent till Turkish election 2023. The time, when they may escape Erdogan’s AKP and its anti- EU and US policies. So, the recent re-mirage call of President Erdogan will be promptly replied by the United States.
