Erdoğan said there is no turning back on the S-400 deal with Russia, adding that Turkey is interested in purchasing U.S. Patriot missiles as well, as long as they serve national interests
The deal with Russia over the S-400 missile defense systems has been completed and their delivery is scheduled for July, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said yesterday, adding that Turkey is also open to negotiations for the purchase of the U.S. Patriot systems as long as Ankara’s interests are served.
“We have made the S-400 deal with Russia, so it is out of question to take a step back. The job is done. When it comes to the Patriots, we are open to buying them. However, this purchase needs to serve the interests of our country,” Erdoğan told journalists accompanying him on the way back from the Russian city of Sochi, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to discuss developments in Syria.
Erdoğan added that in the case of an agreement with the U.S. over the sale of the Patriot systems, their joint production, how they will be financed and the timing of their delivery would be issues needing further discussion.
“Even though the U.S. administration is positive on the early delivery, they still do not have a clear position on joint production and financing,” he added.
By Daily Sabah News
