Erdogan: EU membership no longer a priority for Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that European Union membership has ceased to be a priority for Turkey. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, he asserted that the EU is unprepared to admit Turkey, predicting Europe would suffer as a consequence.

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The European Union is not ready to accept Turkey and Europe will be the loser because of this.

Erdogan also touched upon foreign policy matters, revealing that he received a promise from former U.S. President Donald Trump about reinstating Turkey in the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was removed from this program in 2019 after purchasing Russia's S-400 air defense system, which Washington claimed could compromise the stealth capabilities of the F-35s. Trump had previously indicated a willingness to lift sanctions and reconsider Turkey's participation.

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I received a promise from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program and I am waiting for it to be fulfilled.

Additionally, Erdogan suggested that Egypt could potentially join a defense agreement recently signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, indicating that other nations might also participate. The article notes that legal hurdles and resistance within the U.S. Congress could still impede Turkey's return to the F-35 program, despite any potential executive actions.

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Egypt could join the defense agreement recently signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, and other countries could also join.