Top Turkish, US officials discuss F-16 purchase, Ukraine conflict

Türkiye’s presidential spokesperson and the US national security adviser have discussed bilateral issues and global developments, including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, in a phone call. 

Top officials Ibrahim Kalin and Jake Sullivan, on Monday's call, exchanged views on bilateral political and economic matters, defence and energy cooperation, developments in the Aegean and Mediterranean, and other regional issues, according to a statement by the Turkish presidency.

On the Ukraine conflict, Kalin emphasized the need for concerted diplomatic efforts to mitigate the damage that the conflict has inflicted on peace and stability worldwide, as well as the global economy and energy and food security.

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to continue its diplomatic initiatives, including an extension to the landmark Istanbul agreement on Ukrainian grain shipments that expires in November.

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F-16 procurement

Kalin also conveyed Türkiye’s expectations regarding the “unconditional completion of the approval process of the F-16 procurement and modernisation request by the US Congress,” the statement said.

In a recent development welcomed by Ankara, two amendments making potential F-16 sales to Türkiye contingent on a series of conditions were removed from the Senate version of the relevant bill. 

In his discussions with Sullivan, Kalin reaffirmed that Türkiye will not hesitate to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the Aegean and Mediterranean.

He underlined that Greece must “put an end to its actions and provocative statements that disregard international law,” the statement added.

READ MORE: US Senate 'drops amendments' that made F-16 sale to Türkiye conditional