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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed deep concerns over the imposition of sanctions on Turkey by the United States.
In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan remains opposed to the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against any country in principle. He said Pakistan acknowledges and appreciates Turkey’s invaluable role towards regional and international peace and stability.
“The people and the Government of Pakistan reiterate their strong support for the Government and the people of Turkey in their quest for national security, peace and prosperity and will continue to stand with Turkey,” said the spokesperson.
The US on Monday imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The sanctions target Turkey’s Defence Industries Presidency (SSB), it’s chief Ismail Demir and three other officials.
However, the Turkish top defence industry official said any US sanctions would not affect the country’s several existing projects, including a helicopter deal with Pakistan, but could impact other deals such as Pakistan Atak helicopter and Hurjet aircraft projects.
Speaking a day after the US announcement, Demir said the incoming US President Joe Biden administration may also bring changes in policy – positive or negative – and the US sanctions could also trigger sanctions from the EU.
The SSB chief underlined that the sanctions should not affect existing projects, such as the T70 helicopter, but added that the Pakistan Atak helicopter and Hurjet aircraft projects would probably be affected.
He said the sanctions will slow down Turkish defence projects related to the US for a short period, but the Turkish defence industry would take advantage of this process and manage to take over production of all critical parts in the long term.
In April 2017, Turkey signed a contract with Russia to acquire the S-400 shield. The US opposed their deployment, claiming they would expose next-generation F-35 jets to possible Russian subterfuge.
