Biden administration tells Ankara it's 'concerned' over S-400s

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discussed bilateral ties over the phone yesterday (February 2), official statements said.

Sullivan emphasized President Joe Biden's desire to improve ties with Ankara while reiterating the US' commitment to "democratic institutions and the rule of law," according to a statement by his spokesperson Emily Horne.

He said Washington and Ankara should "manage disagreements effectively," Horne said.

Sullivan also conveyed the US administration's intention to strengthen transatlantic security through NATO, expressing concern that Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 surface-to-air missile system from Russia "undermined alliance cohesion," she noted.

In a written statement, Turkey's Presidency said joint efforts were "essential" to resolve issues such as the S-400s and Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program.

Besides Turkey-US relations, the officials discussed Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Upper Karabakh, Syria, Libya and the Covid-19 pandemic during the nearly one-hour-long conversation, the Presidency said.

They agreed on strengthening political dialogue regarding Syria and Libya.

Furthermore, the exploratory talks between Turkey and Greece are expected to contribute to the peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to the statement.

According to the statement, Turkey also welcomed the US decision to return to the Paris Agreement (COP21) and it is of great importance to have international solidarity in the context of fighting climate change. (VK)