President Donald Trump on Wednesday lauded the U.S. relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as the leaders started a meeting to overcome mounting differences between the two NATO allies ranging from Syria policy to Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defense system.
"We've been friends for a long time, almost from Day 1. We understand each others' country. We understand where we are coming from," Trump told Erdoğan as they sat next to each other in the Oval Office.
"They're highly respected in their country and in the region," Trump said of Erdoğan and his wife Emine.
Trump also told reporters that the Syrian ceasefire was holding very well, as he hosted a high-level White House meeting with Turkey's Erdoğan.
He also said they will be discussing Ankara's purchase of a Russian S-400 missile defense system. Trump also added that the two sides would talk about a potential $100-billion trade deal.
Trump said US forces in Syria had secured oil resources. He said Daesh/ISIS fighters were being held both by the US-backed SDF and Turkey-led forces.
Trump also said that he thought that trade between the two NATO allies could quickly increase to about $100 billion.
U.S. goods and services trade with Turkey totaled an estimated $24 billion in 2017.
But right now, relations between the two countries are at their lowest point in decades. Turkey's decision to buy a Russian air defense system has angered the U.S. and other NATO allies.
