Pompeo Questions Turkey's Geopolitical Loyalty at Cyprus Forum
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Turkey’s foreign policy during an economic forum held in Cyprus. He focused on what he sees as Turkey’s growing divergence from its role as a NATO ally.
Concerns over Turkey’s Dual Alliances
Pompeo expressed deep concerns about Turkey’s efforts to sustain close diplomatic and military ties simultaneously with NATO allies and Russia. He described this approach as fundamentally incompatible with Western security interests.
“Western powers have been unsuccessful in persuading Ankara that NATO membership and ownership of Russian weapons represent incompatible positions that compromise alliance security.”
Controversy Over the S-400 Air Defense System
Pompeo pointed to Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system as a key example. He noted this move led to Turkey’s removal from the US F-35 fighter jet program, underscoring the security risks it poses to NATO.
Reliability as a Western Partner
The former diplomat questioned Turkey’s long-term dependability as a Western ally, highlighting Ankara’s continued prioritization of military relationships with Moscow as problematic.
Comments on the Cyprus Dispute
Pompeo also addressed the ongoing Cyprus conflict, placing responsibility for the stalled negotiations primarily on Turkish leadership.
“The lack of progress in resolving the Cyprus dispute is largely due to Turkish leadership.”
Mike Pompeo’s remarks underline growing tensions regarding Turkey’s alignment and its effects on Western alliances.
Author’s summary: Mike Pompeo criticized Turkey’s conflicting alliances with NATO and Russia, emphasizing how Ankara’s military ties with Moscow and the S-400 acquisition undermine its reliability as a Western partner.