Fahrettin Altun noted, “The decision by the United States to sanction Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 air defense system is unreasonable, fruitless, and ultimately incompatible with the spirit of our partnership. Our commitment to national sovereignty is unwavering and unaffected by the threat of sanctions.”

The full text of the statement is as follows:

“The decision by the United States to sanction Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 air defense system is unreasonable, fruitless, and ultimately incompatible with the spirit of our partnership.

Turkey takes all necessary steps to ensure its national security and to promote regional and global stability – rather than pursue an escalation of tensions with any other country.

Our commitment to national sovereignty is unwavering and unaffected by the threat of sanctions.

Instead of targeting Turkey with sanctions, we expect the United States, our NATO ally, to support our fight against terrorists and third parties that pursue their self-interested agendas in our neighborhood.

The strategic partnership between Turkey and the U.S. is far too important to be sacrificed for short-term political goals and to appease anti-Turkey lobbies.

We remain hopeful that the United States will reverse this grave mistake without delay.” (ILKHA)