The Turkish authorities pursue an independent policy and independently resolve issues of national security, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with the British Thought magazine.
He acknowledged that NATO membership is of great importance for Ankara, the country has certain obligations within the alliance, but tries to continue to make political decisions independently.
“The Turkish leadership is striving to pursue an independent, nationally-oriented foreign policy. It is precisely for the unwillingness to blindly follow Washington’s line and independence in choosing the means of ensuring its own defense capability, and Ankara is criticized by NATO allies,” the Russian minister explained. / p>
The diplomat recalled that such criticism in some cases results in sanctions. Lavrov also stated that the example of Turkey clearly shows how inside the North Atlantic alliance “the real state of affairs with democracy” is.