The Issue of S-400 Purchases is Closed, Says Cavusoglu

Turkey is ready for detailed negotiations to resolve disputes with the United States. This was stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, commenting on the results of today’s discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels, according to Anadolu Agency.

According to him, the talks with his American counterpart at NATO’s headquarters were conducted in a constructive manner. Cavusoglu informed Secretary Blinken that the issue of Turkey’s acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems is closed.

The discussions between Turkish and American officials took place in Brussels during the meeting of NATO member countries' foreign ministers. “We reminded him again why Turkey purchased the S-400s from Russia. The systems have been bought, and now the issue is closed,” Cavusoglu told Turkish journalists in Brussels.

The delivery of the latest Russian S-400 air defense systems began in mid-July 2019, causing a “crisis” in Turkey’s relations with the United States. Washington demanded the cancellation of the deal and suggested purchasing American Patriot systems instead, threatening to suspend or even cancel the sale of the latest F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, as well as impose sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

Ankara has refused to make concessions and continues negotiations on an additional batch of S-400s.