The talks with Russia on the second batch of S-400s continue as planned and no country can determine Turkey's moves on defense, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

"We don't know what the incoming Biden administration would say but we're not in a position to ask for permission," Erdogan told reporters, as he reiterated Turkey's determination to proceed with the S-400 deal despite U.S. opposition.

He noted that Turkey will hold talks with Russia regarding the second batch of the S-400s by the end of January.

"We are a NATO member and will not accept any fellow members to shape our policy," Erdogan said, as he noted that the U.S. has failed to give Turkey the F-35s even though Ankara had paid for them already.

Referring to the U.S.’s failure to give the F-35s a "mistake," Erdogan said he hopes the incoming Biden administration will take positive steps in this regard.

Meanwhile, regarding Turkey’s relations with the EU, Erdoğan said Turkey has been trying its best to keep relations favorable, Daily Sabah reported.

 

 

Source - vestnikkavkaza.net

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18.01.2021 11:21