Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan answered questions from journalists accompanying him on his return flight from Azerbaijan regarding the purchase of F-35 aircraft from the US and Greece's position on the issue.
According to foreign media, the Turkish President argued that "Greece's concern about the steps we have taken in the defense sector is inappropriate and meaningless," saying that "Turkey does not pose a threat to any country that does not threaten its security and interests and does not demonstrate a hostile attitude towards it."
He also mentioned that he discussed the F-35 issue with Donald Trump in their meeting on the sidelines of the recent NATO Summit and added that he hoped that the US President would remain faithful to the agreement they made on this issue.
Erdogan added that he hoped that the gradual delivery of the F-35 to Turkey would take place during his term, writes A2 CNN.
"We want the F-35 primarily for our security. The F-35 issue is not only a matter of military technology for us, but also a matter of strong cooperation at the international level, such as NATO. Of course, this issue gave us the opportunity to accelerate our efforts in the defense industry. Strengthening our defense infrastructure does not pose a threat to anyone. Especially to our friends and allies.
At the last NATO Summit, the decision was made to increase the defense spending of the allies. That is, the decision was made that 'NATO countries should strengthen their defense infrastructure, to cover their needs, so that NATO's defense is also strengthened.' Therefore, Greece's concern about the steps we have taken in the defense sector is misplaced and meaningless.
Turkey does not pose a threat to any country that does not threaten its security and interests and does not demonstrate a hostile attitude towards it. On the contrary, Turkey is a country that makes every effort to ensure peace, tranquility and security in its region and in the world and is extremely trustworthy towards its friends.
"There is no conflict in our environment that Turkey would not try to end peacefully. We discussed the F-35 issue between us and we are monitoring it. I believe that Mr. Trump will remain faithful to the agreement we made on this issue. I believe that the gradual delivery of the F-35 to Turkey will take place during his term," Erdogan said, among other things. (A2 Televizion)
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