Erdogan Urges 'New Momentum' in US Ties
"Conflicts, wars and crises that we face in our region and the world require Türkiye and America to remain in close dialogue," Erdogan said, addressing the "100 Years of Friendship Gala" in New York.
"Thanks to the dialogue and coordination we have established with America, we are achieving positive results for our countries on many issues whose global issues we are witnessing, particularly in the Middle East, but also from Africa to Asia," he said. "We are determined to continue this by redoubling our efforts in the coming period."
Erdogan said the two countries have made major strides across the relationship, pointing to what he described as his "sincere and exceptional dialogue" with US President Donald Trump, as well as Trump's visit to Ankara in July.
He said Türkiye is prepared to deepen cooperation with the US in nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), civil aviation and high technology.
"Developing the defense industry, traditionally one of the strongest areas of our partnership, both bilaterally and within NATO is essential," he said.
"We want to leave behind the barriers that should never have existed between two allies and gain new momentum."
"Deepening our cooperation with the United States in a multidimensional manner, including opportunities for joint production, will be in our mutual interest," he said.
Erdogan said Turkish companies have grown to a scale that now allows them to invest directly in the US, adding that he expects Türkiye to soon break into the world's top 10 defense exporters.
"Twenty years ago, we exported only $248 million worth of defense products annually. Today, we have reached a level of more than $10 billion in defense exports," he said.
He noted that Türkiye's share of global defense equipment exports has climbed more than 120% over the past five years.
"I hope that the strong ties between Türkiye and the United States and the bonds of alliance will grow even stronger in the second century of our diplomatic relations," he said.
Erdogan also said Türkiye has held onto — and reinforced — its standing as an "island of stability" amid the turmoil surrounding it.
Calls for more US investment
Erdogan said foreign direct investment flowing into Türkiye over the past 24 years has climbed to nearly $300 billion.
He also pointed to the country's earthquake recovery effort, saying more than 455,000 homes have been completed and delivered to survivors of the 2023 earthquakes in roughly three years.
Erdogan said those figures underscore the resilience of the Turkish economy and urged investors to seize the opportunities it presents.
"We are now launching a new investment drive on this strong foundation," he said.
He said an investment package unveiled in April introduced one of the world's most competitive incentive programs, including cutting the corporate tax rate for investors from 25% to 12.5%.
"We tell investors: 'Come and manage your operations from Türkiye,'" he said.
Erdogan called on the US-Türkiye Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce to keep encouraging American investors to capitalize on opportunities in Türkiye.
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