During a recent talk with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Biden said he hopes to meet with him over the next five years. This happened at a meeting of NATO, the military alliance, where they both praised Sweden for becoming the newest member.
“I look forward to meeting with the next five years,” Biden said at NATO’s Vilnius summit.
Turkish President Receyip Erdoğan had welcomed his “dear friend [from] the United States.” He also thanked him for congratulating him upon his reelection.
“I’m grateful for the congratulatory messages that you have extended to me, strategic management and within the framework of our strategic, mechanism. I think it’s my time for the heads of states to get together for further consultations,” the Turkish president said. “That’s why I believe today’s meeting with you at the NATO Summit is the first step forward.”
“Our meetings prior to this were mere warm-ups, but now we are initiating a new process,” he added. “This new process is a process of five years. And now you are getting prepared for the forthcoming elections. And with the forthcoming elections, I would like to take this opportunity to also wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you very much,” Biden remarked. “I look forward to meeting with the next five years.”
Earlier, Turkey had some issues with Sweden joining NATO. But they decided to drop these issues, which let Sweden become the 32nd official member of NATO. Sweden had already done everything needed to join but was waiting for all members to agree.
Biden said he was happy to see President Erdoğan again and said their meeting was special. He added, “Thank you for your diplomacy and courage, and how you took that on. And I want to thank you for your leadership. Mr. President, this summit is re-affirming our commitment to NATO, and the NATO defense and allies in NATO and I hope we can make it even stronger.”
