ISTANBUL – ANSWER. Our conversation with my Greek colleague was very constructive and honest, we spoke openly about all the problems. I hope we will take measures to solve them,” Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said in an interview with the Turkish newspaper Milliyet.

Speaking of talks with the US on the F-16, he said they were ongoing, adding that “From the very beginning, the US Department of Defense has been very honest.”

“We made an application and said that we need spare parts for 40 aircraft or more, and we are waiting for your support. Since then he has supported it as an administration and this has a parliamentary dimension. If necessary, the president can say that I gave them. Does he speak or not? Now there are very important statements by retired generals and some politicians. They say that Senator Menendez’s refusal was wrong and against the interests of the United States. Our main argument is: “Strong Türkiye, strong NATO…”. The NATO Secretary General also accepts this. The current trend in NATO is for member states to spend more money on equipment to make the alliance stronger. Other countries say no. We say that we are ready, we also give money, but they say “we will not give you”.