Acquired by Turkey, the Russian S-400 air defense systems remain a problematic issue in Ankara-Washington relations in the context of the implementation of the F-35 fighter project. This was stated by the US Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, in an interview with the NTV channel.
According to him, the issue of these aircraft was raised during the March visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, to the United States.
“As stated before, the S-400s remain a problem. We want to find a solution. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland previously put forward her proposals on this matter. We want to solve this problem, but we have not succeeded yet,” the American diplomat said.
He also mentioned disagreements between the two countries on Syrian issues. He noted that “Turkey is an important ally in the war against the Islamic State” (an organization banned in Russia).
“Turkey and America do not always have a unified position on issues in northern Syria, but our countries are seeking ways to cooperate on other topics to ensure peace in the region and put an end to ISIS,” Flake continued.
He also stated that relations between the US and Turkey have improved in recent months. However, the ambassador said that the two countries have found new common topics for dialogue.
In February, the United States Congress announced its decision to approve the delivery of 40 new F-16 fighters to Turkey to ensure “operational interoperability” in NATO allies’ armaments.
Washington excluded Turkey from the F-35 fighter delivery program after Ankara concluded a contract with Russia to purchase the S-400 system. The US demanded that Turkey abandon the Russian systems in favor of the Patriot, but Ankara did not agree.
Earlier, Erdogan stated that Ankara did not receive either the fighters or the money that was paid for them from the US.
