Trump, Erdoğan meeting 'possible after referendum'

ANKARA

U.S. President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may meet after Turkey’s April 16 referendum on whether to shift to an executive presidential system

Speaking to reporters on March 13, Erdoğan cited the U.S. practice of not meeting politicians from countries where a public vote is due to be held within 60 days. 

“They said they have a practice of not meeting politicians from countries that are going to hold elections within 60 days. That’s why we have the impression that the meeting will be held after the referendum,” he said on March 13, adding that the countries’ army chiefs are in contact regarding ongoing operations in Syria.

“The chiefs of general staff will be in contact regarding Raqqa and Manbij,” Erdoğan said. 

Turkey will hold a referendum in to decide whether to change from a parliamentary system to an executive presidential system cementing Erdoğan’s grip on power.

The “yes” vote is endorsed by Erdoğan, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), while the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Kurdish issue-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) are campaigning for a “no” vote.