Turkey's Erdogan: "Those Threatening Turkey with Sanctions Will Be Disappointed"... Remarks Targeting US and EU

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the successive sanctions imposed on Turkey by the United States and the European Union (EU). As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Turkey's relations with the US and EU countries have significantly deteriorated following the introduction of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press, President Erdogan stated in a TV speech on the 20th (local time), "Those who threaten Turkey with sanctions will ultimately be disappointed," emphasizing, "Turkey will never hesitate to exercise its sovereignty." He added, "Turkey will become a major hub for intercontinental trade," noting, "This will be a great benefit to all 83 million Turks."

Earlier, on the 14th, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions related to Turkey's acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system, targeting the Turkish Defense Industry Agency, Ismail Demir, the head of the defense agency, and three other officials. The sanctions include a ban on US export licenses to the Turkish defense agency, travel bans for the sanctioned individuals, and asset freezes within the United States.

Although Turkey is a NATO member, its relations with the US and EU have significantly worsened since last year’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400. Previously, during the Barack Obama administration, Turkey sought to purchase the Patriot-3 system from the US, but the US rejected the export due to Turkey’s excessive demands for technology transfer. Consequently, Turkey procured the S-400 from Russia last year. The US has opposed Turkey’s operation of the S-400, a NATO ally, citing concerns that sensitive military information could be leaked to Russia.

Turkey’s disputes with the EU have further escalated due to issues in the Eastern Mediterranean. In response to Turkey’s natural gas drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, the EU decided to expand its sanctions list. At the EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium, on the 11th, EU member state leaders agreed to broaden the sanctions list, which previously included only two officials from Turkish oil companies.

Turkey is in conflict with Greece and Cyprus, both EU member states, over the development of natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. In August, Greece and Cyprus, along with France and Italy, conducted joint naval and air force exercises to send a warning message to Turkey after Turkey began exploring natural gas in areas claimed as exclusive economic zones (EEZ) by Greece and Cyprus.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.