Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he was pleased about Turkey-US cooperation in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, as he expressed solidarity with the country and its people in a letter he sent to President Donald Trump with the medical equipment delivered Tuesday, according to Turkish media.
Referring to Trump as "dear friend," Erdoğan said he believes the two countries will defeat coronavirus through mutual efforts and will advance by taking lessons from the crisis, which will contribute to more robust public health care systems in the future.
The president noted that he was happy to hear that the US is taking the first steps toward normalization.
"You can be sure, as a reliable and strong partner of the US, we will continue to demonstrate solidarity in every way possible in meeting the present needs required for the struggle against this pandemic as well as during the upcoming recovery phase," Erdoğan said in his letter, adding that he hopes the "humble" medical assistance sent to the US will support the country's COVID-19 fight and the recovery of its citizens.
"Dear Friend, our continued cooperation in the post-pandemic phase and close coordination and partnership in the implementation of the reforms and regulations required for the global system will be essential, particularly in the recovery of the international economy. I look forward to exchanging ideas and suggestions on this issue at the earliest convenience," Erdoğan said.
He continued by highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation between the two countries amid ongoing regional crises, including those in Libya and Syria, as he noted that the strengthened cooperation would help them to reach the trade target of $100 billion.
Erdoğan ended his letter by offering condolences and extending his greetings to the American people, hoping that the close cooperation of Turkey and the US will allow both countries to win together successfully.
Turkey sent military aircraft carrying crucial medical supplies for the US fight against COVID-19 on April 28.
The personal protective equipment includes 500,000 surgical masks, 400 N95 masks, 4,000 overalls, 2,000 liters of disinfectant, 1,500 goggles, and 500 face shields on Washington's request, according to the presidency.