President Biden raised concern over Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile system in a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday, per the White House, saying their respective countries need to find an "effective way" to manage disagreements.
Why it matters: Relations between the two countries have been tested over issues like a threat to expel foreign envoys, including a U.S. ambassador, that Erdoğan has since walked back, and Turkey purchasing Russian-made weaponry.
The backdrop: In 2019, Turkey received "the first group of equipment" from a Russian S-400 air defense system despite warnings from the U.S., which said the system could compromise the alliance's security.
- Erdoğan has said he may purchase a second Russian missile system, adding that "nobody can get involved with this."
- Erdoğan last week walked back a threat to expel U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield and nine other foreign envoys after they called for the release of a jailed philanthropist.
What they're saying: "I think obviously the S400 is an issue that continues to be a concern for Congress and continues to be a factor in all of these broader issues as part of our defense relationship," a senior administration official told reporters.
- "I mean, the President and the administration have long been clear that the S400s are a problem."
Worth noting: The White House said Biden and Erdogan also discussed human rights violations and regional issues in Afghanistan and Syria, among other topics.
