EU, Erdogan: "Turkey must be included in defense and security talks"

Turin, March 7 (LaPresse) – "While our defense sector supports Ukraine and our private companies continue to contribute despite the conditions of war, we find it unacceptable that the EU excludes us from defense procurement and reconstruction programs. We believe the EU should reconsider this position in the common interest. Let us not forget that Europe's security concerns not only the member states of the Union but all European allies." This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an online event organized by the EU. The statement was reported by Anadolu Agency. "We believe that all initiatives related to European security should be planned together with Turkey in the common interest. In all these efforts, it is undoubtedly crucial to preserve the transatlantic bond as much as possible and to gain the strong support of our ally, the United States," he explained. "Our defense sector, which has advanced technologies, is ready to contribute to strengthening the defense sector. We believe the European Union's defense program should be open to all European allies," Erdogan added.