Erdogan asserts Türkiye’s independence in S-400 decision-making – Commitment to combating terrorism

During a press conference following the BRICS summit in Kazan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that his country will independently decide whether to acquire a second set of S-400 air defence systems from Russia.

“As for the S-400, we will not be influenced by external opinions on the next phase. We, the government of Türkiye will make this decision ourselves,” he stated, emphasizing the nation’s autonomy in defence issues, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

On the flight back from Tatarstan, Erdogan also addressed Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism, declaring that the country will take decisive action against any threats emanating from Syria. “We are determined to achieve a bright, peaceful, and secure Türkiye, free from the dark and bloody shadow of terrorism,” he asserted.

In response to a recent attack on a TUSAŞ aerospace facility in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye would intensify its efforts to produce and innovate in spite of adversities. “We will trouble those who are dissatisfied with Türkiye with our successes,” he added.

The president revealed that the attack was linked to terrorist infiltration from Syria, prompting immediate operations at 40 locations across the country. “Terrorists were made to pay a very high price,” he noted, reiterating Türkiye’s uncompromising stance in the fight against terrorism.

Erdogan condemned the PKK-affiliated PYD/YPG in Syria, declaring their efforts to gain support from some Western countries as futile. He reiterated that if terrorism originates from Syria, Türkiye will take all necessary actions to address the threat.

By Vafa Guliyeva