US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed in remarks that the US is ready to initiate procedures and speed up arms sales to countries cooperating with Russia such as Turkey and India.
Commenting on US foreign policy at the budget session of the House Foreign Relations Committee, Anthony Blinken made statements on US arms sales to foreign countries, Turkish media reported.
Blinken was asked to respond to a question from South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson: "To me, our foreign military sales are hampered by unnecessary red tape. How can we overcome that bureaucracy to help and work with our allies like Turkey and India, for example?"
The U.S. Secretary - according to Turkish media like YeniSafak and Anadolu - said he agreed with Joe Wilson's observation, and said we need to do better with foreign sales, especially those of urgent need. "I think we can and should do better on sales, particularly the speed at which we are able to do things, review things. I think that's up to us in the executive branch. It also depends on Congress," he said."
And he added: "Some countries, as I said earlier, are reviewing their relationships, including Russia, including countries that have had longstanding defense relationships with Russia. If we find ourselves in a position to be partners with them in ways that maybe we couldn't a few decades ago, I think that's something we need to take action on."
Also noting that the gap left by the United States in defense cooperation with its allies "is being filled by Russia," Mr. Blinken added that they are ready to work more closely with Congress to speed up the process of selling arms to these countries.
"Of course, if we don't do it, we know who will probably do it in our place," the US diplomatic chief pointed out.
Turkish media added that the US secretary of state's comments come amid bilateral talks between Washington and Ankara over the sale of some 40 F-16 fighter jets and 80 kits to modernize Turkey's existing fleet.
Members of Congress, who should take note of any decision by the US executive branch to proceed with the sale of the F-16s, are sure to understand what this all means for the manufacturer Lockheed Martin and will be inclined to be euphoric.
He also noted that by supporting Ukraine, and arming it, against the Russian invasion, Turkey has emerged as "an important factor in curbing malign influences in the region," the Turkish reports conclude.
Source: Proto Thema
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