Moscow values Turkey's stance on the purchase of S-400 air defense missile systems and sees serious potential for the development of cooperation with Ankara, the relevant departments are in contact on this issue, Yury Pilipson, Director of the Fourth European Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
"We note with satisfaction the progressive build-up of the Russian-Turkish partnership on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Military-technical cooperation is no exception. The implementation of joint projects, first of all the delivery to Ankara of the first regiment of S-400 Triumf air defense missile system in 2019 demonstrates the determination of our countries to comprehensively strengthen cooperation in this area. We see serious potential for this," Pilipson said.
"We appreciate the position of Turkish partners who act in line with national defense objectives despite open external pressure," he stressed.
Asked about the timing of Ankara's purchase of the second S-400 regiment, Pilipson explained that "the relevant agencies are in contact on the further development of bilateral military-technical cooperation."
"Let the specialists work quietly, there is no need for fuss," summarized the diplomat.
Russia and Turkey signed a contract for a regimental set of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems in 2017, deliveries to the Turkish side were carried out in the summer and fall of 2019. The deal caused a crisis in Turkey-U.S. relations. In late April, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that the Turkish side continues negotiations with Russia on the purchase of a second regiment of S-400.
US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said at a congressional hearing in July that the United States would maintain existing and impose new sanctions on Ankara if it continued to purchase Russian weapons.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Фото: Zuma\TASS
Based on materials of RIA Novostiи