![Turkish Foreign Affairs minister Mevlut Cavusoglu - US Secretary of State John Kerry mevlut cavusoglu turkey nato defense other countries](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mevlut-cavusoglu-turkey-nato-defense-other-countries.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
Turkey may look outside NATO for defense cooperation, the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister said in an interview.
Mevlut Cavusoglu said NATO countries will remain Turkey’s primary defense allies as before, Reuters reports. The suggestion that Turkey may look to expand its defense arrangements comes after the failed coup strained President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s relations with the West, and takes place the same week that Turkey and Russia’s leaders began a reconciliation process.
During the interview with NTV, Cavusoglu expressed disappointment that NATO allies have not shared more defense technology with Turkey. NATO released a statement Wednesday statement reaffirming its support of Turkey, as well as Turkey’s place in the alliance.
“NATO counts on the continued contributions of Turkey and Turkey can count on the solidarity and support of NATO,” the statement said. Turkey has the second-largest armed forces in the allied defense group.
[Reuters]
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone
- What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Medications
- How to Buy Groceries Without Breaking the Bank
- Sienna Miller Is the Reason to Watch Horizon
- Why So Many Bitcoin Mining Companies Are Pivoting to AI
- The 15 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com