The contract signed by Turkey with Russia on the purchase of anti-aircraft missile systems s-400, not an alternative to its relations with the West and NATO membership. This was stated press Secretary of the President of Turkey Ibrahim Kalin, his words leads RIA Novosti.
“Statements by our President about the s-400 opened the way for different gossip that Turkey is moving away from the West. We have developed good cooperation with Russia, but it is not an alternative to our relations with the West and NATO. On the contrary, they complement each other,” said Kalin.
According to him, Turkey will continue to take steps to ensure its national security, considering NATO a strong Alliance. “We welcomed the statement by the NATO Secretary General for the purchase of s-400 as a natural right of Turkey. It should end all discussions,” the official added.
Commenting on the deal, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, said that each country-member of NATO, makes an independent decision about the purchase of arms, while Turkey turned to NATO with a request to integrate With s-400 defense system of the Alliance.
September 13, Erdogan criticized Washington for reactions to the delivery to Turkey of Russian anti-aircraft missile systems (WRU) s-400. “Some were angry from the contract that Turkey and Russia have concluded for the supply of systems s-400. What are we supposed to do? Turkey has taken and will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure its security,” he said.
A day earlier it became known that Moscow and Ankara signed a contract for the supply of Turkey AAMS “Triumph”. On the same day, Erdogan said that Turkey made the first initial payment for the Moscow s-400.