Istanbul. April 20. INTERFAX-Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that the deal on the sale of combat drones to Ukraine is not directed against Russia.
"Yes, we sell when there is demand. This deal is not directed against Russia. If Russia needs the products of our defense industry, we are ready to discuss it, " Cavusoglu said on Haberturk.
He noted that Ankara has good relations with both countries, despite the tense situation in the Black Sea region.
Cavusoglu added that Turkey continues negotiations on the purchase of a new batch of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.
"Negotiations on other S-400 orders are continuing," the minister added.
Earlier this year, Turkish President Recep Erdogan warned that Ankara would make its own decision on the issue of S-400 deliveries.
According to him, "no country has the right to interfere and determine Turkey's defense policy." He stressed that decisions in this area are the sovereign right of Ankara.
The United States has repeatedly expressed concern about Turkey's acquisition of the S-400,as it believed that Russia could use these systems to obtain information about the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bombers. In addition, the Pentagon stated that Turkey should return the S-400 air defense system to Russia if Ankara wants to receive Patriot missile systems from the United States.
Washington excluded Ankara from the F-35A production program in July last year immediately after Turkey acquired the S-400.
