Turkish, US defense ministers exchange phone call over F-35s

ANKARA

Turkey Defense Minister Hulusi Akar had a phone call with U. S. Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, following the latter’s letter announcing Washington’s decision to cease Turkish participation in the F-35 aircraft project.

“During the call, Minister Akar emphasized the improper wording [is] not in line with the spirit of the alliance, in the letter Mr. Shanahan sent to him. Furthermore, starting with F-35, mutual views and requests within the context of bilateral security issues as well as defense industry cooperation issues were discussed,” read a statement by the Defense Ministry after the phone call.

“The two ministers agreed to continue their dialogue and have a face-to-face meeting during the next NATO Ministerial in Brussels,” added the statement. The NATO meeting will take place on June 26 and 27.