US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a joint press conference with the Chief of Staff, General Mark Milley, after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.
F-16 ANSWER THE QUESTION
AA correspondent, “Turkey is demanding to purchase modernization kits for its new F-16s and existing F-16s. Ankara says that the lack of approval as soon as possible will undermine the security of not only Turkey but also NATO. Your opinion on this assessment.” What do you think about the delivery of F-16 Blok 70 planes to Turkey?” Austin replied:
“Turkey is a NATO ally and we have a long and strong relationship with Turkey. We are doing our best to keep it that way as long as possible. Maintaining interoperability among our NATO partners is very important to us. This will always be a focus and priority.”
Stating that he will not comment on pending arms and equipment sales requests until they are notified to the Congress, Austin said, “However, I must emphasize that Turkey is a very valuable partner. We will do our best to strengthen our relationship.” used the phrase.
SYRIA QUESTION TO MILLEY
Gen. Mark Milley, AA correspondent, said, “Your visit to Syria made headlines in Turkey. Ultimately, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ambassador Flake to the Ministry to give an explanation. What was the message behind your visit?” He replied to the question:
“My visit was nothing more than a routine troop visit to check on mission, purpose and mission, what we are doing, things like force protection. “I went to examine them. I went to see if the mission had been fulfilled and to report what they were doing.”
Milley also stated that Turkey and the United States have common interests in defeating DAESH and said, “The caliphate of DAESH has been destroyed, but the organization still has remnants there. There are still refugee camps and prisons there. I had to do this. Especially for a chief of staff. It is perfectly appropriate for him to visit forces in danger.” said. (AA)