The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey reported that negotiations with the United States on the acquisition of PATRIOT anti-aircraft missile systems continue, despite the conclusion of an agreement on the supply of Russian S-400 SAM systems.

"We continue to discuss with the US the issue of the supply of PATRIOT," press secretary of the Turkish Foreign Ministry Hami Aksoy said, responding to a question about air defense systems integrated with NATO.

He also recalled the preliminary agreement signed with the Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam. Turkish representatives have repeatedly stated that their goal is to diversify arms transfers.

Recall that about two weeks ago, in an interview with the German edition of Die Zeit, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu touched on the purchase of a S-400 air defense missile system of Russian production. According to the politician, the reason for this is the position of the US administration.

"We needed them urgently, because we did not have air defense weapons at all. But the US even refused to sell us automatic rifles because of the opposition of the Congress. We would be happy to purchase the PATRIOT systems if the administration gets approval in the Congress, "he said..

Source: newsru. co. il.