Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said his country would acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, saying Germany, which had long objected to their sale, had responded positively to the Turkish request with the help of three other NATO countries, Britain, Italy and Spain, participating in the consortium.

In an all-news interview with the Turkish television station TV100 and answering the question whether he expects an acceleration of the procedures regarding the issue of the American F-16 fighters during the Trump Presidency, Mr. Guler said: “Our relations with our American friends are very positive for us. We want to buy 40 F-16 Vipers, the contracts have been signed. We will also buy 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Germany resisted for a long time, but with the positive input of our NATO friends, Britain, Italy and Spain, Germany responded positively.”

To the journalist’s question about Greek-Turkish relations, the Turkish Defense Minister replied: “Our president has developed a very positive relationship with the Greek prime minister. And indeed they took very important steps to turn the Aegean into a sea of ​​friendship and not hostility. Certainly, it is our duty to support this. Our Secretary of State is doing very important work on this. They have quite good and serious talks with the Greek foreign minister and we estimate that they will be positive. And of course, by providing all kinds of support, we are making efforts to advance this movement started by our President.”

Regarding the Cyprus problem, he argued that “the two-state solution is now an unyielding solution for us” and accused the Republic of Cyprus of seeking new roles for itself. “At a time when genocidal actions continue in Gaza, it itself opens and tries to open military bases. He claims to be trying to direct relief efforts or something. However, in the future, this may even work against her,” said Mr. Guler.