US President-elect Joe Biden has not yet responded to the request for a phone call from his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Three sources told Middle East Eye that Erdogan’s administration requested a phone call with Biden in December, but weeks later it has still not taken place.
Biden’s decision not to pick up the phone is not surprising, given his commentary in the New York Times last year, in which he said Washington should approach Erdogan differently and support the Turkish opposition. Erdogan likewise was in no hurry to congratulate Biden on winning the 3 November election, as Ankara recalled its warm relations with the Trump administration.
The Turkish president was among the last world leaders to congratulate him, in a message sent in November.
Representatives of both presidents’ administrations have not commented on the matter.
Turkish officials have publicly stated that they are ready to establish constructive relations with the new US administration. Erdogan’s chief adviser and press secretary stated on Turkish television on Sunday that Ankara’s contacts with Biden’s transition team have so far been “very positive.” “They say they want to develop good relations with Turkey and open a new page,” Kalın added.
However, the unwillingness to speak with Erdogan suggests that Biden will not soon open a new page with the Turkish government.
