Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the lifting of the US sanctions, which block some defense purchases by Turkey, as well as to cancel other “unilateral” measures that hinder the ability of NATO allies to achieve long-term bilateral trade goals, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Turkey-NATO ties have been strained in recent years over a range of issues ranging from policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria and Gaza to Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems. This led to US sanctions and the removal of Turkey from the F-35 fighter program in 2019.
Ankara has launched a procedure for the delivery of 40 Block-70 F-16 fighter jets and 79 upgrade kits from Washington. The deal was approved after Turkey gave the green light to Sweden's bid for NATO, leading to improved relations.
Turkey and the US have a long-term goal of $100 billion in bilateral trade, up from about $30 billion in 2023.
During his visit to New York for the 79th UN General Assembly, Erdogan told Turkish and American businessmen that he believed in achieving this goal, but that cooperation in the defense industry was “very insufficient” because of the remaining restrictions.
„Unilateral restrictions, such as additional tariffs in the iron, steel and aluminum sectors, as well as sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Act (CAATSA), must be removed,” he said.
Erdogan also expressed hope that a new page has been turned with the modernization of the F-16 and expects the final removal of restrictions on defense exports.
Turkey is a profitable partner in supply chains, citing cooperation in the production and supply of 155 mm ammunition – an important weapon in the war between Ukraine and Russia – as an example.
Washington has sanctioned several Turkish individuals and companies for violating sanctions against Russia. Turkey supports Ukraine, but opposes the sanctions, the agency notes.
In addition to the F-16, Turkey is also interested in the "Eurofighter Typhoon" from Germany, Great Britain and Spain, but is unhappy with the lack of progress because of opposition from Berlin.
Yesterday Erdogan met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New York. The Turkish president expressed readiness to improve cooperation with Germany in every field, emphasizing the joint opportunities that would bring benefits to both countries.