Trump promised five F-35 jets and he ‘always keeps his promises’: Erdogan

US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed fighter jet sales, sanctions, the war in Ukraine and trade during talks in Ankara on Tuesday, with both leaders expressing optimism over closer defence ties.

Speaking to reporters before their bilateral meeting, Erdoğan said he hoped for a positive outcome on Turkey's long-standing bid to acquire F-35 fighter jets, adding that Trump had previously promised to provide the NATO ally with the aircraft. "He always keeps his promises," Erdoğan said.

Trump indicated that Washington could remove sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

"We're going to be taking the sanctions off," Trump told reporters when asked about the measures imposed in 2020 over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 air defence systems.

The sanctions led to Ankara's removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme, a decision Turkey has repeatedly described as unjust and illegal.

Trump said a decision on the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets would be made after further consideration. "It's a decision we're going to make," he said.

Erdoğan also said he would discuss the war in Ukraine with Trump, while the US president said trade would also feature in their talks.