Türkiye hopes that the existing obstacles to cooperation with the US in the defence industry will be removed and is ready to expand engagement in this area. Speaking at an event in New York titled “100 Years of Friendship: Türkiye-United States", President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Ankara also intends to strengthen cooperation with the United States on nuclear energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
According to TRT, Erdoğan said: “Developing the defence industry, traditionally one of the strongest aspects of our partnership, is a necessity both for the two countries and for NATO. We want to overcome barriers that should not exist between two allies in the first place and give relations fresh momentum.”
Erdoğan continued as follows: "Thanks to the resources and innovations at their disposal, our companies have already reached a level where they can invest directly in the US. I believe we will soon join the world’s top ten countries in defence industry exports."
Addressing energy, the Turkish leader said that his country “is ready to further develop existing energy cooperation with the United States, including in areas such as nuclear energy and LNG shipments.”
According to Erdoğan, "trade volume between Türkiye and the United States has doubled over the past decade, exceeding $38 billion in 2025."
Erdoğan went on to say, "I believe that the $100 billion trade target we set together with US President Donald Trump is realistic and attainable, but we need to make greater efforts.”