U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 7 (local time) that he would consider the possibility of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

According to Reuters and RIA Novosti, President Trump made the remarks regarding the F-35s shortly after arriving in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit on the afternoon of the same day, stating, "That is a decision we are looking to make."

President Trump emphasized, "Turkey has been much more loyal in many ways than other countries we think about, so it certainly looks like a good plan," adding, "(The F-35) is by far the best fighter jet, and we will certainly consider it once again."

He also continued to make friendly remarks toward the host country, Turkey, saying, "I have been very disappointed with NATO, and frankly, if the (summit) had not been held in Turkey, where my friend is a very strong leader, I might not have attended."

He also mentioned that he would discuss with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the engines for the Kaan, a fifth-generation fighter jet being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS).

In response, President Erdogan stated, "The F-35 issue is not new," adding, "We were promised five fighter jets."

He also expressed his expectations, saying, "I hope this promise will proceed in a positive direction during the leaders' summit."

President Erdogan personally went to the airport to greet President Trump upon his arrival.

President Trump said that agendas in areas such as trade and military would be discussed during this NATO summit, and regarding the potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe, he said, "We'll see."

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, he mentioned, "I hope it gets resolved quickly," and added, "I think we will reach a deal."

He also stated, "I think they (the presidents of both Russia and Ukraine) both want to make a deal."

President Erdogan also said that he plans to discuss the Ukraine issue with President Trump on this day.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)