News

US urges Turkey not to buy more Russian arms

October 1, 2021 11:44 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

The United States on Friday warned Turkey of further risks to bilateral ties if it buys more weapons from Russia, after US countermeasures over its purchase of the S-400 air defense system.

The statement came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin earlier this week and discussed greater military cooperation, including on warplanes and potentially submarines.

Turkey, a NATO member, defied US warnings in 2017 to buy the S-400 air defense system, a deal that the Western alliance fears will allow Russia to hone its skills at targeting US and Western European aircraft.

"We've urged Turkey at every level and opportunity not to retain the S-400 system and refrain from purchasing any additional Russian military equipment," Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told reporters when asked about Erdogan's trip.

"We continue to make that clear to Turkey and what the consequences will be if they move in that direction," said Sherman, who was on a visit to Switzerland.

Sherman reiterated that the S-400 was "not compatible or operable with NATO systems."

In response, the United States expelled Turkey from its state-of-the-art F-35 jet program in which multiple Turkish companies were involved and through which Ankara expected as many as 100 planes and had Turkish suppliers.

But Sherman stressed that the United States valued the relationship with Turkey, pointing to its welcome to millions of Syrian refugees and offers to help restore Kabul's international airport.

"Turkey is a challenge sometimes. I'm sure they find the United States a challenge at times. But they are a valued NATO ally," Sherman said.

Erdogan said Thursday that his relationship has "not gotten off to a good start" with US President Joe Biden, who while out of power described the Turkish leader as an autocrat and voiced support for the opposition.

 

 



Most Read

  1. 20 passengers perish in Chilas bus plunge 20 passengers perish in Chilas bus plunge
  2. Daughters defend Bushra Bibi Daughters defend Bushra Bibi
  3. Pakistan's historic moon mission aboard China rocket blasts off Pakistan's historic moon mission aboard China rocket blasts off
  4. Pakistani-origin woman laid off by Elon Musk gives emotional reaction Pakistani-origin woman laid off by Elon Musk gives emotional reaction
  5. Parineeti Chopra's husband Raghav Chadha undergoes ‘dangerous’ eye surgery in UK Parineeti Chopra's husband Raghav Chadha undergoes ‘dangerous’ eye surgery in UK
  6. The Great Indian Kapil Show: Astonishing per-episode fees of cast revealed! The Great Indian Kapil Show: Astonishing per-episode fees of cast revealed!

Opinion

  1. PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan
    PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan

    By Naveed Aman Khan

  2. Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties
    Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties

    By Nasim Zehra

  3. PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls
    PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls

    By News Desk

  4. Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity
    Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity

    By News Desk

  5. Tax on solar energy: Govt's misplaced priorities favour powerful stakeholders over people welfare  
    Tax on solar energy: Govt's misplaced priorities favour powerful stakeholders over people welfare  

    By Manzoor Qadir

  6. Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir
    Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai