ISTANBUL, July 12: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday it is not possible for NATO to continue its partnership with the Israeli administration.
"Until comprehensive, sustainable peace is established in Palestine, attempts at cooperation with Israel within NATO will not be approved by Turkey," Erdogan said at a news conference at the NATO summit.
Turkey also continues its diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, he said.
Erdogan said as well that he has instructed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to start to restore relations with Syria.
Turkey will extend an invitation to Assad "any time" for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbours, Erdogan had said on Sunday.
Regarding F-16 sales to Turkey, Erdogan said: "I talked to Mr. Biden. I will solve this problem in 3-4 weeks he said".
In March, the US Senate defeated an effort to stop a $23 billion sale of F-16 jets and modernization kits to Turkey allowed by President Joe Bidens administration after Turkey approved Sweden joining the NATO alliance. He also said Turkey expects solidarity from NATO allies in its fight against terrorism. —REUTERS
