President Trump and Turkish President Erdogan in conversation. U.S. President Donald Trump (right), who is visiting Turkey to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Ankara on the 7th (local time). [AP=Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on the 7th (local time) that there is a possibility of allowing Turkey to return to the U.S. F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet program.

President Trump made the remarks while answering reporters' questions before a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the NATO summit held in Turkey.

Regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets, President Trump replied that he would "make a decision soon," adding, "It’s a great fighter jet. It is by far the best fighter jet in existence, and it is certainly a matter we will consider [selling]."

Despite U.S. warnings, Turkey introduced the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile system in 2019.

The first Trump administration removed Turkey from the F-35 development program under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a move that was subsequently codified in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

President Trump adopted a markedly different tone compared to that time. He praised Turkey, stating that it is "far more loyal than some other countries (in NATO) that we thought would be loyal to us," and that "it has helped the United States more than many traditional countries (allies)."

When asked by reporters about concerns that the introduction of F-35 jets by Turkey might lead to conflicts with Russian air defense systems, he asserted, "I have no concerns about that at all."

He continued, "We will lift the sanctions. It is time," emphasizing, "We do not want to impose sanctions on our friends." This is interpreted as a signal to lift sanctions on Turkey regarding F-35 purchases.

President Trump said, "Turkey bought fighter jets from the U.S.," adding, "What are we supposed to do? If the engines need repairs or upgrades, it is our obligation to provide them."

It remains unclear whether the "fighter jet purchase" mentioned by President Trump refers specifically to the F-35 contract. According to a Congressional Research Service report, Turkey has paid for F-35s but has yet to receive them from the United States.

In this regard, President Erdogan stated, "The F-35 issue is not new," adding, "We were promised five fighter jets." He also expressed hope that "this promise will move in a positive direction during the summit of leaders."

President Trump acknowledged that "many people disagree" with selling F-35s to Turkey, but noted that "Turkey has been a great ally to us." President Erdogan personally went to the airfield to greet President Trump on the day.

President Trump cited examples such as Turkey not militarily intervening against Israel during the war with Iran, cooperating in the peace process, and contributing to the improvement of relations between the U.S. and Syria.

Meanwhile, President Trump revealed that he "had a long and extensive conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday. And immediately after that, I also spoke with President Zelenskyy (of Ukraine)," adding, "I think something will come out of it."

President Trump repeatedly criticized NATO, stating he is "very disappointed with NATO," citing the fact that European countries did not help the U.S. in the war with Iran despite the U.S.'s contributions to the alliance.

He claimed that if it were not for the meeting being held in Turkey and the invitation from President Erdogan, he "might not have attended the summit," arguing that "we have not been treated well (in Europe) because of what we did in Iran."

Regarding Danish-ruled Greenland, he reiterated that it was "a reason that damaged the relationship between (the U.S.) and NATO," asserting that "Greenland should be controlled by the United States, not Denmark."

Turkish President Erdogan personally greeting U.S. President Trump. U.S. President Donald Trump (center), visiting Turkey for the NATO summit, greets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who came to meet him at the Ankara airport on the 7th (local time). [Reuters=Yonhap News]