Deputy Minister of National Defense Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu answered the questions of CNN Türk US Representative Yunus Paksoy in Washington. Evaluating his contacts in the USA, Kavaklıoğlu said; He made statements regarding defense relations between the two countries, CAATSA sanctions and F-35 aircraft.
“A MORE POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT THAN I EXPECTED”
Stating that they came to Washington for a defense industry fair, Kavaklıoğlu said that the fair is an important platform that brings together the world's leading defense industry companies, military officials and high-level decision makers.
Stating that they met with both private defense industry companies and relevant US state and Ministry of Defense officials within the scope of the visit, Kavaklıoğlu said: "We had very good, positive meetings. We met with our friends at the Pentagon who look after the industry and supply system. The meetings took place in a more positive environment than I expected. We currently have good relations and they are developing. We have surprisingly good relations."
“I BELIEVE WE WILL SOLVE OUR CURRENT PROBLEMS IN A SHORT TIME”
Answering Paksoy's question about the main reason for the positive atmosphere in Turkish-American defense relations, which have experienced various problems in the last 15 years, Kavaklıoğlu stated that the two countries have had significant cooperation and solidarity in the political and military fields since Turkey joined NATO in 1952.
Stating that there have been crises and interruptions in relations from time to time, Kavaklıoğlu said: "There are relations that we can call perfect in the recent period. Of course, we have problems. There is the issue of CAATSA sanctions, which was ongoing in the past. There is intense work on these, mutual discussions, there are progresses. Both sides, that is, both us and the American side, have a very positive view. I believe that we will solve our current problems in a short time."
“I HOPE IT WILL BE CONCLUDED VERY SHORT” MESSAGE FOR CAATSA
Paksoy reminded that US President Donald Trump, in his statement to CNN Turk about a week, 10 days ago, answered his question about CAATSA sanctions by saying, "I will make Erdoğan happy, don't worry." Stating that the events of the last 10 years have created distrust towards the USA, Paksoy asked whether the issue of sanctions can be expected to be resolved in the near future.
Stating that the relationship between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Trump is at an excellent level, Kavaklıoğlu said: "The talks between our esteemed President and Trump, the relationship between them, is at an excellent level. Based on this, we provide motivation. The truth of the matter is that the talks are developing very positively, but there are some activities to be carried out by both parties. They are mutually and continuously working on them. I hope and expect that they will be concluded in a very short time."
INTENSE CONTACT FOR THE FIRST 6 F-35 AIRCRAFT
When Paksoy asked whether this issue could be evaluated in the same process, reminding the expectations regarding the F-35 aircraft, which Turkey paid for and waiting in the USA, Kavaklıoğlu emphasized that F-35s were on their agenda. Stating that Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler wrote a letter on the issue and mutual negotiations were held, Kavaklıoğlu said, "I believe that we will reach a result there, too. We have intense contacts, especially regarding the first 6 aircraft."
“THE STATE TURKEY HAS REACHED IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY IS VERY IMPRESSIVE”
Paksoy also asked about the current status of relations between the defense ministries and armies of the two countries. Stating that Trump said to CNN Turk within the framework of the Mecca alliance, "They want to help Saudi Arabia. I think this is a good thing," Paksoy asked how Turkey's assumption of more responsibility in the region was reflected in the contacts in the USA.
Stating that Turkey's development in the defense industry is also accepted by the USA, Kavaklıoğlu continued as follows: "The point Turkey has reached in the field of defense industry, its rise and development is very impressive. They also accept it. In fact, they are surprised on many issues. There will be joint production and joint investment in mutual cooperation and solidarity. We have had many such meetings." Stating that they also held talks on joint production in other places as allies and providing joint aid to allies, Kavaklıoğlu said, "Relations are currently very positive and positive."
