‘Germany aside, Turkey will pursue defense projects’

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Regardless of whatever decisions Germany may take, Turkey will continue to pursue projects for a self-sufficient military apparatus, a top Turkish defense official said on July 22.        

If, as some media reports claim, Germany halts defense industry  projects with Turkey, “maybe this would slow down some projects, but it would not affect the outcome. It would boost our motivation for national and local systems,” İsmail Demir, undersecretary for the Turkish defense industry, told Anadolu Agency.    
    
Amid tensions with Ankara, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on July 19 that Berlin would not encourage German businesses to invest in Turkey, nor would it provide investment guarantees to such companies.        

German dailies have also claimed that Berlin would freeze defense projects with Turkey.        

Ties between Ankara and Berlin have been strained in recent months as Turkish leaders slammed Germany for turning a blind eye to the activities of outlawed groups and terrorist organizations hostile to Turkey.