Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Türkiye and the United States need to maintain close dialogue and cooperation in the face of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical crises, while expressing confidence that bilateral trade could reach $40 billion this year.

Speaking at the “100 Years of Friendship: Türkiye–United States of America” event, Erdoğan said continued dialogue and coordination between Ankara and Washington had helped produce positive results on issues of global importance, particularly in the Middle East, as well as in Africa and Asia.

“The conflicts, wars and crises we face in our region and around the world require Türkiye and the United States to maintain close dialogue,” Erdoğan said.

He added that Ankara was determined to maintain and strengthen its cooperation with Washington in the coming period.

Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye's strategic relationship with the United States could not be separated from their economic and trade ties, describing commercial relations as an important pillar of the broader partnership.

“Today, our trade relations are among the key elements that support and advance our political relations,” he said.

Despite global economic and political uncertainties, bilateral trade has doubled over the past decade, Erdoğan said.

Trade between Türkiye and the United States exceeded $38 billion in 2025, while reaching $28 billion in the first eight months of 2026, according to figures cited by the Turkish president.

Based on the current trajectory, Erdoğan said he expected bilateral trade to surpass last year's level and reach around $40 billion by the end of 2026.

He also said the $100 billion trade target that he and US President Donald Trump had set was within reach.

“I consider the $100 billion trade target we set together with President Trump to be highly realistic and achievable,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan's remarks underscored Ankara's efforts to broaden economic ties with Washington alongside their longstanding strategic and NATO partnership.

He said the two countries should overcome existing obstacles and give bilateral relations fresh momentum, highlighting potential cooperation in areas including defense, energy, nuclear power, civil aviation and high technology.

Erdoğan also pointed to opportunities for greater investment and joint production, saying stronger economic cooperation would benefit both countries.

The Turkish president has repeatedly emphasized the importance of expanding Türkiye-US trade and investment as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

His latest comments come as Ankara and Washington continue discussions on a range of strategic and economic issues, including defense cooperation and trade.

Erdoğan said the two countries should build on their longstanding alliance as they enter the second century of diplomatic relations.

“I hope that the strong ties and alliance between Türkiye and the United States will grow even stronger in the second century of our diplomatic relations,” he said. (ILKHA)