Outside of handshakes – what does Erdogan stand to gain?published at 15:40 BST
Hilken Doğaç Boran
BBC Turkish, in Istanbul
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen President Erdogan arrives at the White House, he will have already achieved a major goal by shaking hands with President Trump – a first in more than six years for the Turkish leader.
Items on Erdogan’s agenda include deals on energy, defence and civil aviation.
On energy… Turkey’s energy minister recently announced that the state-owned Botas has signed a 20-year LNG deal with Mercuria to buy US liquified natural gas.
A total supply of 70 billion cubic meters (bcm) is expected to be delivered over 20 years.
Turkey inked similar deals with Western companies Exxon Mobil, Shell and TotalEnergies in the last couple of years in a bid to diversify its energy supply.
On defence… Erdogan will be pushing for the removal or relaxation of defence sanctions against Turkey.
These sanctions, triggered after Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 systems, have caused Turkey to be removed from the F-35 program.
Progress on Turkey’s plan to purchase F-16 jets and modernisation kits is likely to come up during the meeting.
And on civil aviation… There are hints about the finalisation of a deal for Turkish Airlines to purchase more than 200 aircraft from Boeing.
The tête-à-tête will also present a chance for the sides to discuss issues like Ukraine-Russia talks, Israel’s involvement in Syria and Gaza.