President Erdoğan and U.S. President Trump delivered remarks and answered reporters' questions before their bilateral meeting at the International Exhibition Center (INTEX).

Noting that his meeting with U.S. President Trump during the G20 Osaka Summit is very meaningful, President Erdoğan stated that the Turkey-U.S. trade volume is advancing towards a summit of $75 billion and that there are steps that have already been taken and are to be taken by the two countries in the defense industry. 

"We have steps to take but more importantly we have a strategic partnership. This strategic partnership encourages us to act in solidarity in many areas. I have full belief that this solidarity of ours will continue in the same manner in the period ahead, as well," President Erdoğan said.

U.S. President Trump, for his part, expressed his pleasure to meet with President Erdoğan on the sidelines of the G20 Osaka Summit.

In answer to a question as to whether the U.S. will impose sanctions on Turkey if it moves ahead with the S-400 purchase, U.S. President Trump noted that President Erdoğan wanted to buy Patriot missiles from the Obama administration but he was not allowed. Stating that Turkey was not treated fairly, U.S. President Trump said that they have a complicated situation and that they are looking at different solutions.

Recalling that Turkey is a NATO member, U.S. President Trump said that Turkey is a friend of the U.S. "We have done great things together and we are big trading partners," noted U.S. President Trump, and continued: "I think $75 billion is small. I think it is going to be well over $100 billion soon."

Stressing that Turkey and the U.S. are doing more and more business, U.S. President Trump expressed the U.S. expectation to quadruple business with Turkey.

U.S. President Trump also said that he will visit Turkey but that the date is not set yet.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Treasury and Finance Berat Albayrak and Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar accompanied President Erdoğan during the meeting.

ILKHA