US Secretary of State calls on Turkey to prioritize NATO over Iran, Russia
The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Turkey to refrain from jeopardizing the interests of NATO in its contacts with Iran and Russia, Ermenihaber reports.
Tillerson noted US very well understands that Iran and Turkey have geographic proximity, however, Turkey is a NATO member and should prioritize its partnership with the alliance staying away from Iran.
“We ask Turkey as a NATO ally to prioritize the common defense of its treaty allies. Iran and Russia cannot offer the Turkish people the economic benefits that membership in the Western community of nations can provide,” Gazetevatan quoted Tillerson as saying.
The US official also delivered tough rebuke to Russia, claiming the country continues to interfere in the internal affairs of its neighboring states, namely Ukraine.