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U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a “wonderful and very productive meeting” at the White House on Wednesday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Euronews reports.

Speaking at a news conference with Erdogan, Trump said he hoped the two countries would be able to resolve their differences over Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile systems.

Trump also said that Europe should pay more to cover the costs related to Syrian refugees.

"I think that frankly, Europe should be paying for this to a large extent. As of this moment Turkey's been paying for most of it," Trump said.

The United States needs to resolve issues involving Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 air defence system to achieve progress on other fronts, the White House said on Wednesday during the visit.

"In order to achieve progress on other fronts, it is vital that we resolve the issues involving Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system, strengthening our defence partnership," the White House said in a statement.

Trump and Erdogan's joint news conference follows a period of diplomatic tension between the US and Turkish presidents.

In October, Trump sent a letter to Erdogan before the latter launched a military incursion into north-east Syria, urging him "don't be a tough guy" and "don't be a fool!"

Later in October, Turkey and the US agreed to a truce in Syria, and the US later lifted sanctions on Turkey as Ankara agreed to make the ceasefire with Kurdish-led forces along the border with Syria "permanent."