US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to the question of a correspondent of AA about the Turkish request for the purchase of the F-16 said: “Turkey is a very valuable partner. We will continue to do everything possible to strengthen our relationship.”
Austin, after a meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine, held a joint press conference with the head of the chiefs of the US Armed Forces General Mark Milli.
to the question of a correspondent of AA: “Turkey requires new F-16 and modernization sets for the available F-16. Ankara states that the lack of approval in the shortest possible time will undermine the safety of not only Turkey, but also NATO. What do you think about the supply of aircraft f. -16 BLOK 70 to Turkey, ”Austin replied:
“Turkey is an ally of NATO and we have a long -standing and strong relationship with Turkey. We are doing everything possible so that they remain as long as possible. Maintaining operational compatibility between our NATO partners is very important for us. It will always be in the spotlight and priority “.
The Minister of Defense added that it would not comment on requests for the sale of weapons and equipment until they go to Congress, Austin said: “I must emphasize that Turkey is a very valuable partner. We will do everything possible to strengthen Our relationship “.