Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced strong dissatisfaction with Greece and Israel over their reported opposition to the possible sale of US F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Speaking after the NATO Summit in Ankara, Erdogan criticized Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, saying that his stance on the issue was misguided, while also calling for a bilateral approach to resolving disputes in the Aegean.
“The Israeli and Greek opposition to the purchase of F-35s by Turkey has no place in my world,” Erdogan said. “Mr Mitsotakis should not have made such a mistake,” he added.
Erdogan stressed that Ankara would not abandon its defense plans, arguing that Turkey had the legal right to acquire fighter jets and other military equipment. He said that relevant discussions and negotiations were already under way.
“Trump has a positive attitude regarding the sale of F-35 fighters to Turkey. I hope the United States will keep its promise,” Erdogan said.
