On June 11, 2021, Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar accompanied by Chief of General Staff General Yaşar Güler, Land Forces Commander General Ümit Dündar, Air Forces Commander General Hasan Küçükakyüz, Naval Forces Commander Admiral Adnan Özbal and National Defense University Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu attended the opening ceremony of NATO Maritime Security Center of Excellence Command (MARSEC COE) in Istanbul. Making a speech at the ceremony, Minister Akar stated that the Turkish Armed Forces, in addition to ensuring the security of its country and its 84 million citizens, continues its uninterrupted contributions to NATO despite the pandemic conditions.
Reminding that they had a telephone conversation with the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin on the evening of June 10, 2021, Minister Akar described the meeting as an open, constructive and positive meeting. Minister Akar, “We will carry out the necessary work according to the decisions of our Heads of State.” she said.
Emphasizing that Turkey is in favor of solving all problems in its region and the world through peaceful methods and in good neighborly relations in accordance with international law, Minister Akar said:However, we are determined, determined and able to protect our rights, interests and interests in our Blue Homeland, including Cyprus. We do not allow any fait accompli.” said. Minister Akar said:
“At a time when the risks and threats against our country were at their highest, we made attempts to purchase Patriot from the USA and SAMP-T from France-Italy, by negotiating with our allies for the supply of air defense systems. However, this was not possible for various reasons. Thereupon, we purchased the S-400 air and missile defense systems from Russia, which met the conditions we wanted. We did not do these in secret, we never had a hidden agenda. Our main purpose in acquiring these systems is to defend our country and our 84 million citizens against possible threats from the air. We have repeatedly stated that we are ready to address the technical concerns of our interlocutors. We are open and transparent in negotiations. Reasonable and logical solutions are always possible. Turkey's contribution to NATO and NATO's cooperation with Turkey is much deeper and more comprehensive than the F-35s and S-400s. NATO Secretary General Mr. Stoltenberg has clearly stated this. As a result, NATO, in which Turkey is a part, is more meaningful and stronger and will move forward with more confident steps into the future.”
“We did not give the money to the S-400 to keep it anywhere”
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who was a guest of the "What's What" program on Habertürk TV, answered journalists' questions about the US-Turkey relationship and S-400. Cavusoglu, “We did not give money to the S-400 to keep it anywhere.” He stated that negotiations are continuing for other orders for the S-400. Minister Çavuşoğlu, in the rest of his speech, “With regard to April 24, the United States itself needs to respect international law. The definition of genocide exists in UN resolutions. clearly described. The ECtHR also has decisions on this issue. Constitutional courts of countries also have decisions. If the US respects international law, we should not sleep with it every day. We need to get rid of some fears and complexes. Shall we die or tremble every night? I am not speaking to America here in the sense of “Whatever you say, brother” But as a state that knows our history, we need to be sure of ourselves. If America wants to worsen relations, it is their choice.” had included his statements.
Source: defenceturk
Be the first to comment