Erdoğan, Trump Hold Call to Address Syria and Gaza Issues

On January 20, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an extensive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss regional stability, the future of Syria, and the ongoing war in Gaza.

The call followed Trump’s announcement that he intended to speak with the Turkish leader, whom he described as someone he "likes a lot," The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, Erdoğan said Syria’s territorial integrity remains a top priority for Ankara. He told Trump that Türkiye is "closely" following developments in the country and argued that a "peaceful Syria, free from terrorism," is essential for broader Middle East stability.

The two leaders also addressed the fight against ISIL, specifically discussing the status of members currently held in Syrian prisons.

The conversation comes as the Trump administration moves forward with its plan to end the Gaza conflict. Last week, the White House announced the formation of a Board of Peace for the Strip, designed to oversee 20 points of the administration’s plan to end the war, rebuild the enclave, and mobilize international resources.

Erdoğan thanked Trump for an invitation to join the board and said Türkiye would continue to coordinate with the U.S. to establish a permanent peace in the region.

The U.S. has also established a National Committee for the Administration and an Executive Board to manage the transition from conflict to development. Trump has extended invitations to several other heads of state to join the oversight board alongside Erdoğan.

The leaders also discussed bilateral ties, pledging to maintain open lines of communication on both regional and global issues.