In a surprising turn of events, retired ambassador and former CHP (Republican People’s Party) deputy Namık Tan has claimed that Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan engaged in negotiations with the United States regarding Sweden’s NATO membership vote in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).
Tan went on to assert that one of the key points of negotiation was Erdoğan’s desire to receive an invitation to the United States from President Joe Biden himself.
According to Namık Tan, Erdoğan’s negotiations revolved around a threefold request: first, the approval of F16 fighter jet sales; second, finding a resolution for the funds already paid for F35 fighter jets; and lastly, a coveted invitation to an official visit in Washington, D.C.
Erdoğan appeared to allude to these negotiations when he stated, “U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was here just yesterday. I guess Biden will host us from now on. It wouldn’t be proper for me to call Biden. Not only do we say that we are a key country in our region, but it is also impossible to make any initiatives or plans against Turkey in this geography, despite Turkey.”
This unfolding situation raises questions about the dynamics of international diplomacy and Turkey’s role in the NATO alliance.
