Ahead of Trump-Erdogan Meeting US Wants ‘Strong, Democratic’ Turkey

ISTANBUL, Turkey (Agence France-Presse)””The United States is committed to helping Turkey be strong and also democratic, despite differences on key policy issues, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara John Bass said on April 27 ahead of face-to-face talks next month between Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Relations between the United States and Turkey were bedeviled under former President Barack Obama by a series of disputes over Syria and the July 2016 coup attempt, although Ankara is hopeful for better ties under Trump.

Pro-government media in Turkey and even ministers have often charged the U.S. with meddling in the country and even aiding the coup attempt, which Washington has vehemently denied.

“It is manifestly in our national interest for Turkey to be strong, peaceful, prosperous and democratic,”