BROOKLYN, N.Y. - eTradeWire -- U.S.-Türkiye relations remain important to NATO, regional security, trade, energy, and defense cooperation. Turkish American civic leader Israfil Demir believes direct communication between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan can help strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Trump and Erdoğan have often relied on direct leader-to-leader diplomacy, maintaining communication even when Washington and Ankara disagree on issues including Syria, defense procurement, Russia, and regional security.

"Türkiye and the United States do not need to agree on every issue to remain strong partners," said Demir. "What matters is maintaining direct communication, respecting each country's strategic interests, and finding areas where cooperation benefits both nations."

Türkiye has been a NATO member since 1952 and remains strategically positioned between Europe, the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. Beyond defense, the relationship also includes trade, investment, technology, energy, and strong people-to-people connections.

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Demir believes economic cooperation should play a larger role in the future of the relationship.

"Political disagreements often receive the headlines, but trade and investment can create a stronger foundation," he said. "There is significant potential for American and Turkish businesses to work together."

As a Turkish American involved in civic and community initiatives in the United States, Demir also sees Turkish Americans as an important bridge between the two countries.

He believes greater participation in American civic life, combined with strong cultural and economic ties to Türkiye, can help create better understanding between both societies.

"Governments change and policies change, but the relationship between Türkiye and the United States is larger than any single administration," Demir said. "Turkish Americans can help strengthen that relationship for the next generation."

Demir believes the next phase of U.S.-Türkiye relations should focus on practical diplomacy, increased trade, stronger investment, defense cooperation, and continued dialogue between the two longtime NATO allies.