Erdogan Cites "Positive Approach from Mr. Biden" at the G20 Summit

LOCAL NEWS

• Erdogan says he saw a "positive approach from Mr Biden" after their hour-long meeting at the G20 Summit which discussed F-16s & F-35s.
  • Biden made clear to Erdogan that there was a process underway that Turkey would have to go through for its request to purchase F-16 jets in place of the F-35s, and Turkey's possession of a Russian S-400 missile system continued to be a concern for the US.
  • Erdogan emphasized the need for closer US-Turkey ties, while Biden underscored this as well. Both sides agreed on a joint mechanism to strengthen ties and boost trade volumes.
  • The White house also emphasized the importance of democratic institutions, respect for human rights and rule of law
• Erdogan says France & Italy would take "positive steps" to deliver the SAMP-T missile defence system to Turkey following meetings with the respective presidents at the G20 this weekend.
  • Talks to acquire the system have been ongoing for a number of years but were brought to a halt by differences over Syria
• FM Cavusoglu says Ankara is not responsible for Ukraine's use of Turkish drones in the Donbass following a meeting with Russia's Lavrov. "If a state buys weapons from us it is no longer a Turkish product. It might be manufactured in Turkey but it belongs to Ukraine. Turkey cannot be blamed for this."
  • This follows a bombing incident along the contact line with Russian backed Separatists in the Donbass last week. Turkey also asked Ukraine to stop mentioning Turkey's name when discussing its use of the drones
• Expert says no lockdown on the cards yet in Turkey as covid cases hold around the 30k mark, but warns some measures could be introduced if they rise to 60-70k including weekend lockdowns and school closures.
  • Also notes that Turkey's vaccination drive has almost come to a halt at 78% fully vaccinated