Erdogan urges NATO to lift trade restrictions on defence trade with Türkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cautioned NATO allies, just ahead of a NATO summit, against measures that could involve the alliance in the Ukraine conflict.

"In determining the steps to be taken to support Ukraine, we also adhere to our principled stance of not making NATO a party to the war," Erdogan said at Ankara airport before flying to Washington, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

He also assured Türkiye's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.

Erdogan further called on allies to lift trade restrictions on defence trade with his country.

"The implementation of decisions we made in Vilnius to combat terrorism and remove obstacles to defence trade among allies is important to strengthen the alliance's solidarity and unity," Erdogan emphasized.