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Putin & Erdogan speak to press as Moscow and Ankara foster energy, military ties (WATCH LIVE) Buying S-400 Turkey's 'sovereign right': Putin & Erdogan speak to press in Moscow
(about 1 hour later)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is giving a joint news briefing with Turkish counterpart Recep Erdogan in Moscow – a bilateral gathering that comes as Ankara grows more distant from Washington, amid a plethora of issues. Turkish President Recep Erdogan is visiting Moscow, discussing with Russian President Vladimir Putin the situation in Syria as well as the S-400 weapons deal that has driven a wedge between Ankara and Washington.
Turkey and the US are at odds for several reasons, including Ankara’s defiance in the face of pressure put upon it by Washington over the decision to purchase the advanced Russian air defense system S-400. Sticking to the deal resulted in the US suspending the delivery of its F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. “We discussed the current situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone and the prospects for the comprehensive implementation of the Sochi memorandum,” Putin told reporters, referring to the situation in Syria.
Erdogan called the decision to buy Russian S-400 air defense missiles Turkey's "sovereign right." The sale was a "closed question" and no one can hope do dissuade Ankara from it, he added.
Turkey and the US have been increasingly at odds over the conflict in Syria, but the S-400 issue in particular threatens the relations between Washington and its NATO ally. Ankara's insistence on the purchase has already resulted in the US suspending delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Meanwhile, Russia and Turkey are boosting their ties. In addition to the high-profile arms deal, they are now preparing for the launch of the Turkish Stream underwater pipeline. It has the potential to turn Turkey into a major hub for delivering Russian natural gas to customers throughout southern Europe. The development undermines US attempts to push Moscow out of the European energy market and replace its fuel with its own more liquefied natural gas (LNG).Meanwhile, Russia and Turkey are boosting their ties. In addition to the high-profile arms deal, they are now preparing for the launch of the Turkish Stream underwater pipeline. It has the potential to turn Turkey into a major hub for delivering Russian natural gas to customers throughout southern Europe. The development undermines US attempts to push Moscow out of the European energy market and replace its fuel with its own more liquefied natural gas (LNG).
That aside, the meeting was also expected to touch upon broader international issues as well as bilateral ties in culture and tourism. The Putin-Erdogan summit is also expected to touch upon broader international issues, as well as bilateral ties in culture and tourism.
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