This visit is already called historic: this is the first visit of a sitting US president to Ankara in 17 years. Within two days, the capital of Turkey will become the centre of world diplomacy, where the leaders of all NATO member states will gather to discuss key issues of international security.
The main topic of talks between Ankara and Washington will be the future of Turkish-American relations. The agenda includes Turkey’s possible return to the F-35. program, the prospects for CAATSA sanctions relief, the situation in Ukraine, Syria, the Gaza Strip, as well as defence cooperation and regional security issues. According to American media, Donald Trump has already said that he intends to consider the possibility of lifting some of the sanctions against Turkey and returning the country to the F-35 program.
But it’s not just the negotiations that attract attention.
A large-scale delegation arrived in Turkey with the American president, and the security of the summit is ensured by unprecedented measures. The Presidential Marine One helicopter, The Beast armored limousine were delivered to Ankara in advance, as well as reinforced security units of the US and Turkey.
In addition, on the streets of Ankara for the first time on such a scale deployed intelligent system ROADGUARD, developed by the Turkish company ASELSAN. The system with elements of artificial intelligence is able to recognise faces and car numbers in real time, instantly checking information with police databases.
The Ankara summit could be one of the most significant for NATO in recent years. The decisions taken in the coming days could affect not only Turkey-US relations, but also the balance of power in the region, European security issues and the further development of the Alliance.
More information is available in our profile @mercury turkey