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Originally slated for a one-on-one meeting with President Joe Biden, Erdogan's visit was poised to address critical issues ranging from counterterrorism efforts to economic relations between Turkey and the United States.
The cancellation comes amidst escalating tensions between Ankara and Washington, with reports suggesting that Erdogan's meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh may have played a significant role. Haniyeh's presence in Istanbul for talks with Erdogan drew ire from Western allies, given Hamas's classification as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other nations.
Furthermore, reports from Turkish media outlets hint at Erdogan's dissatisfaction with the U.S.'s decision to provide substantial aid to Israel, totalling $26 billion. This move, coupled with Erdogan's vocal support for Palestinian interests, may have contributed to the abrupt cancellation of his White House visit.
Meanwhile, Erdogan's upcoming summit with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Scheduled for May 13, the Greek-Turkish summit was expected to address longstanding disputes in the Aegean and Ionian seas, including the recent tensions over the creation of marine parks by Greece.
The cancellation of Erdogan's White House visit underscores the delicate nature of U.S.-Turkish relations and raises questions about the future trajectory of diplomatic engagements between the two nations. With Erdogan's visit representing a pivotal opportunity to address key issues affecting regional stability, its cancellation signals a setback in efforts to foster cooperation and dialogue between Turkey and the United States.