Turkey denies delaying Russian S-400 deal amid tensions with Washington

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters the S-400 missile system deal is a 'done deal'.

1 min read

15 May, 2019

The issue has caused a deep rift with the United States [Getty]

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has denied that Turkey is delaying the purchase of S-400 missile defense systems from Russia amid tensions with the United States.

Cavusoglu told reporters on Wednesday that "there is no question of any delay or of any halting at this point." He reiterated that Turkey's purchase of the Russian-made systems is a "done deal."

The issue has caused a deep rift with the United States, which says the Russian missiles pose a threat to the US F-35 fighter jet program of which Turkey is also a partner.

Media reports had suggested Turkey would delay the purchase.

Cavusoglu said Turkey and the United States were discussing a Turkish proposal for the establishment of a joint committee to review the S-400s possible risks to the US F-35 program.

Ankara said the first deliveries of the S-400 are scheduled for June or July. Last week, Turkish media reported that US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Turkey in July, despite the dispute over the missile system.

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