Yasar Guler Says Turkey Is Satisfied With Supply Of F-16 Block-70 Fighter Jets – Will Also Purchase Euorfighter
Turkey is satisfied with its agreement with the United States on the supply of F-16 Block-70 fighter jets and modernization kits, and the process is continuing as planned, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said in a written interview with Reuters. .
“We hope that the program will be completed without problems until the last aircraft is delivered” said the Turkish minister and at the same time clarified that Turkey wishes to procure Euorfighter from Britain, Spain, Germany, but there is no concrete development yet.
On the possibility of Ankara’s return to the F-35 manufacturing program, Yasar Guler said that the approach of Ankara and Washington remains unchanged, but talks continue.
Yasar Guler said, among other things, that Turkey expects the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to show a balanced approach between the allies.
Regarding his country’s relations with NATO, given Ankara’s moves to strengthen its relations with Eastern countries, the Turkish Defense Minister said that Turkey wants to improve its ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, but its priority is to fulfill its responsibilities towards NATO as an important ally.
“Our priority as an important ally is to fulfill our obligations to NATO and strengthen solidarity with our allies. Our focus must be that NATO is prepared, determined and strong,” said Yasar Guler.
On the Turkish-dominant topic of developments in Syria, he stated that “there could be a ministerial-level meeting between Turkey and Syria in the context of efforts to normalize relations, if the right conditions are created.”
Turkey has been trying for the past time to have a summit meeting between Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad. The Damascus side, however, initially set the condition of the withdrawal of Turkish military forces from the territory of northern Syria for the meeting to take place, and subsequently the Syrian president stated that he could meet with President Erdogan only if the issue of withdrawal of the Turkish army from Syria.
Turkey can only discuss coordination to withdraw from Syria after a new constitution is accepted, elections are held and borders are secured, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler told Reuters.
Source :Skai
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