Turkish defense chief talks to US defense secretary

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

Turkey's defense minister on May 28 discussed security and cooperation issues with the U.S. defense chief.         

Hulusi Akar discussed the matters in a phone call with Patrick Shanahan, the acting U.S. defense secretary, the Turkish Defense Ministry said in a statement.     

Previously, The delivery of Russian-made S-400 systems to Turkey might be delayed until after June, but they would be deployed in the following months, Akar said on late May 27.

The deployment of the air defense systems “may not reach June, but they will arrive in the following months. The process has started,” Akar said speaking at an interview on HaberTurk broadcaster.

“There are some details about the agreements we have made regarding the procurement of the S-400, within the framework of the contracts. Related institutions, organizations continue to negotiate about them,” the minister said when asked about the deployment schedule.

The minister said Ankara is still considering possible locations to deploy the S-400 systems, Akar added.