Iran Press/ Asia: Yeni Şafak newspaper stated that Washington attaches great importance to its relations with Ankara and that the United States views Turkey as an important partner in NATO and a strategic partner with a strong economy.
David Satterfield stressed the importance of US-Turkish relations and expressed hope that the two countries' differences over the purchase of Russian S400 missile systems would be resolved.
Following the US refusal to sell missile defense systems, Turkey decided to buy Russian S400 missile defense systems and Russia handed over the system on several occasions, which led to Washington removing Ankara from the F-35 fighter project.
On Dec. 14, the US imposed sanctions on Turkey over the acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.
US officials have voiced opposition to the deal, claiming the S-400s would be incompatible with NATO systems and expose F-35 jets to possible Russian subterfuge.
Turkey, however, stressed that the S-400s would not be integrated into NATO systems, and pose no threat to the alliance or its armaments.
Turkish officials have repeatedly proposed a working group to examine the technical compatibility issue. 219
