According to the section in the news published on Erdoğan’s bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, Erdoğan rejected the suggestions that Turkey’s purchase of advanced Russian defense system undermined NATO, the West’s main military alliance.

According to the news, Erdoğan said in his statement to the NYT editorial board, "We buy our own weapons", referring to both NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and then-President Donald J. Trump reaffirming Turkey’s right to choose arms suppliers.

Erdoğan further stated, "Had the Americans sold Turkey a Patriot missile defense system, we would not have had to buy S-400s."

When asked if Turkey’s actions had been worth the frictions caused with the United States, Erdoğan responded, "I think it was worth it. We can strengthen our defense as we please."

Pointing out that the Turkish-US relationship remained fundamentally important, Erdoğan remarked, "Turkey has long US ties. This will be reinforced and has to be protected.” (ILKHA)