Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump at the Presidential Complex in Ankara with a top-level official “A+” ceremony as part of his visit to Turkey, Anadolu reported.

As Trump’s motorcade approached the Presidential Complex, it was met by cavalry units that escorted it to the protocol gate.

Erdoğan personally greeted the American leader at the main entrance to the complex. After both presidents took their places on the ceremonial ground, a military band played the national anthems of Turkey and the United States.

The ceremony featured standard-bearers and service members representing 16 historical Turkic states, a military band, as well as soldiers dressed in Janissary uniforms. In addition, a 21-gun salute was fired in honor of the visit.

Trump greeted the honor guard of the Presidential Guard Regiment with the words “Merhaba asker” (“Hello, soldier”) in Turkish.

After the ceremony concluded, Erdoğan and Trump shook hands on the steps in front of the Turkish and U.S. flags and posed for members of the press.

During the U.S. president’s arrival, the Turkish Air Force aerobatic team Turkish Stars performed over the Presidential Complex, flying past with red, blue, and white smoke trails — the colors of the American flag.

Several honorary units also took part in the ceremony, including the Mehter military band, the Historical Honor Guard of the Presidential Guard Regiment, which includes representatives of 16 historical Turkic states in traditional attire carrying their banners, as well as the Historical Ottoman Unit.

The official “A+” level ceremony was held for the first time on April 10, 2025, during the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Donald Trump became the second head of state to be welcomed in Turkey with a ceremony of this level.