In an interview on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed concerns raised by US officials, including Bob Menendez, the chair of the US Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, regarding the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.
Erdogan expressed his view that Bob Menendez has taken a hostile approach toward Turkey and is attempting to steer discussions in a particular direction. However, he did not specify the nature of these discussions.
Erdogan emphasized that Turkey will not succumb to pressure from US Congress or any of its officials concerning the F-16 sale, indicating his reluctance to engage in discussions that he perceives as unfavorable to Turkey.
In response to concerns that the F-16s could be used against fellow NATO ally Greece, Erdogan underlined the longstanding friendship between Turkey and Greece, asserting that their relationship has not been characterized by hostility.
“We are friends with Greece for many decades. We have never been fighting camps against one another,” said Erdogan.
The Turkish president is scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to explore the possibility of resuming talks between the two countries.
