Pompeo Questions Turkey's Geopolitical Loyalty at Cyprus Forum
Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sharply criticized Turkey’s foreign policy during an economic forum in Cyprus. He focused on Ankara’s growing divergence from its role as a NATO ally due to its foreign and defense strategies.
Concerns Over Turkey’s Dual Approach
Pompeo expressed concern about Turkey's efforts to maintain close ties with both NATO allies and Russia simultaneously, calling this stance contradictory to Western security standards. He emphasized the problematic nature of Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
"Western powers have been unsuccessful in persuading Ankara that NATO membership and ownership of Russian weapons represent incompatible positions that compromise alliance security."
This decision led to Turkey's removal from the US F-35 fighter jet program. Pompeo questioned Turkey's long-term reliability as a Western partner due to its continued emphasis on relations with Moscow, especially in defense.
Cyprus Dispute Assessment
Regarding the longstanding Cyprus conflict, Pompeo attributed the stalled progress largely to Turkish leadership.
“The lack of progress in resolving the Cyprus dispute rests on Turkish leadership.”
His remarks highlight tensions over Turkey’s geopolitical direction and its impact on regional security and alliances.
Author's summary: Mike Pompeo criticizes Turkey’s conflicting alliances with NATO and Russia, questioning its reliability as a Western partner and blaming Turkish leadership for the Cyprus dispute impasse.