U.S. Finally Approves F-16 Fighter Jet Sale To Türkiye
The Biden administration has finally approved Türkiye's request to purchase dozens of F-16 fighter jets and modernisation kits, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
The $23bn sale of 40 new F-16s was considered final last month when the Congress did not block the sale this time.
"U.S. proud to announce today a major step forward in Türkiye’s purchase of new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets – the most advanced F-16 ever made, available only to closest Allies and partners," the State Department said on a social media post Wednesday nights through its Bureau of Political-Military Affairs' X account.
"Just the latest example of U.S. enduring commitment to security partnership with Türkiye," reads the post.
Türkiye first made the request for the jets three years ago, but Ankara's delay in ratifying Sweden's NATO bid — due to the latter's support for Kurdish separatists — proved to be a major stumbling block.
On a separate note, the State Department Wednesday night issued a statement on Sweden's National Day noting that the U.S. 'commends' Stockholm’s leadership on strengthening the security of the Nordic-Baltic region.
"Our nations will continue to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked war, and as we pursue justice and accountability for Russia’s brutal actions. Together, our nations also will continue to collaborate to overcome the climate crisis, advance peace, and work on shared priorities through our bilateral ties," reads the letter.
Politics
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On December 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his birthday.
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The U.S. Embassy responded to the host of the "Həftə" ("Week") program, who once again accused the United States of pursuing an anti-Azerbaijani policy, using undiplomatic language.
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On Monday, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, who is currently on a working visit to Belgrade, was received by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service, during the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the "strategic partnership between the two countries" and emphasized the importance of mutual high-level visits.
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On December 23, a meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Serbia took place in Belgrade. During the final press conference, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric reported that the discussions focused on the development of tourism. "We are strengthening efforts to open direct air routes, as well as economic development and energy," said Djuric. The minister expressed confidence that cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan would become even closer and more intensive in the near future.
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