2024-09-26 18:49:22
Ankara: Türkiye’s self-proclaimed Caliph President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pleading with America to lift the sanctions. He urged the US on Tuesday to lift sanctions blocking some of Türkiye’s defense purchases. Türkiye is a NATO ally, but America has imposed sanctions due to purchasing S-400 defense system from Russia. Erdogan said these US sanctions hinder the ability of NATO allies to achieve long-term bilateral trade goals. There have been tense relations between America and Türkiye on many issues. These range from policy differences in the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria and Gaza to Turkey’s proximity to Russia. In 2019, America had also removed Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet program for the same reason.
Why did America give relief to Türkiye?
However, considering the current situation in the Middle East, America has started showing leniency towards Turkey. For this reason, Turkey has received approval to purchase 40 Block-70 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits from America. In return, Turkey has also approved Sweden’s NATO membership. Ankara and Washington’s bilateral trade has significantly declined, which both countries have targeted to reach $100 billion. Trade between the two countries was estimated to be around $30 billion in 2023.
Erdogan is convincing America
During a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Erdogan addressed Turkish and American businessmen. Meanwhile, he said that although he believes it will be possible to meet the target, cooperation in the defense industry has been “far below” its potential due to remaining restrictions. “To this end, there is a need to abandon unilateral applications such as additional tariffs, investigations and CAATSA sanctions in the iron, steel and aluminum sectors,” he said on Monday, referring to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Erdogan demanded lifting of the ban
“I hope that we have opened a new chapter in mutual relations with the F-16 modernization project, and we hope that export restrictions in this region will be permanently lifted,” Erdogan said. He also said that Türkiye is beneficial for supply chains. Erdogan cited as an example cooperation on the production and procurement of 155 mm ammunition, which Ukraine desperately needs. To meet this need, America is purchasing 155 mm ammunition from countries around the world.
Turkey desperately needs America
The US has imposed sanctions on several Turkish individuals and companies for violating sanctions against Russia. Türkiye supports Ukraine, but opposes sanctions and says sanctions will not be circumvented on Turkish soil. Apart from the F-16, Turkey is also interested in Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Germany, Britain and Spain, but has complained of lack of progress due to reluctance from Berlin (Germany). On Monday, Erdogan also met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New York. He conveyed to Ankara his readiness to step up cooperation in every field and take advantage of joint opportunities that could benefit both sides, Scholz’s office said.