Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greeted French President Emmanuel Macron at the foot of his plane in Ankara on Tuesday, holding his hand in a gesture meant to convey security, according to N12's Asaf Rozentzweig. The reception comes after reported explosions in Damascus.
The Zioneer has reported extensively on the NATO summit in Ankara, including President Erdogan's warm reception of President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon. The latest gesture, directed at French President Emmanuel Macron, appears to be a continuation of Erdogan's efforts to project leadership and hospitality amid a series of high-profile arrivals.
The handshake, as reported by N12's Asaf Rozentzweig, took place as Macron's plane touched down in Ankara. The French president's visit to the summit follows his historic trip to Damascus on Monday, where he was received by the Syrian foreign minister. The explosions in Damascus, referenced in the report, add a layer of tension to the backdrop of the summit.
The gesture is notable given the complex relations between Turkey and France, as well as the wider context of the NATO summit, where issues such as the F-35 program and regional security are on the agenda. Erdogan's public display of reassurance may be intended to signal unity among allies despite policy differences.
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