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Erdogan, Putin meet over weapon purchases
The Associated Press MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Turkish counterpart in Moscow on Monday, discussing how to coordinate their next moves in Syria and how to deepen business ties, including the sale of advanced Russian missiles to Turkey that has riled the United States.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Russia, his third this year, underlined the increasingly close cooperation between the two countries and Turkey’s readiness to defy the United States.
Last week, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence warned Turkey it was risking its NATO membership and its participation in the F-35 fighter program by failing to heed Washington’s demand to cancel the contract with Russia for the S-400 air defense missile systems.
After Monday’s talks, Erdogan said that Turkey considers the Russian deal done and won’t submit to pressure.
“On the issue of the S-400s, we have determined our road map, we have taken steps,” Erdogan said. “Those who tell us to give up our plans, those who make recommendations do not know us. If we have made a contract, if we have reached a deal, then this business is finished. This is our sovereign right, this is our decision.”
Putin described the S-400 contract as a top priority in cooperation between the two countries, adding that other weapons deals are in the making.
“We may reach agreements on the joint development and production of high-tech weapons,” he said.
Turkey’s purchase of the Russian missiles marked the first such contract for a NATO member. Turkey has ignored U.S. demands to abandon the agreement, and Erdogan said Friday that deliveries of the S-400s will begin in July.
He noted that Washington had offered Ankara the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system, but said the U.S. offer isn’t as favorable as Russia’s.
The United States and other NATO allies say the S-400s aren’t compatible with the alliance’s weapons systems.
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005663530