Pompeo confident US, Turkey to resolve S-400 row

WASHINGTON- Anadolu Agency

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on April 4 he is "very confident" the U.S. and Turkey "will find a path forward" amid an ongoing row about Ankara's decision to procure an advanced Russian air defense system.       

"There are great opportunities for the United States and Turkey to work closer together," Pompeo told reporters at the closing of a gathering of NATO foreign ministers marking the alliance's 70th anniversary.       

Pompeo said his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on April 4 was positive, voicing hope bilateral tensions will be resolved.       

U.S. officials have suggested Turkey buy the U.S. Patriot missile system rather than the Russian S-400 system, arguing it is incompatible with NATO systems and exposes the F-35 to possible Russian subterfuge, including covert efforts to obtain critical information on the jet, which could then be relayed to Russia.       

In response to the U.S. concerns, Çavuşoğlu said on April 3 the system would be for Turkey's use.