The US Department of Defense is doing its best to maintain relations with Ankara, despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s threats about the possible closure of US military bases, according to Pentagon spokesman.
In press statements to “Sputnik News Agency”, the spokesman said that Pentagon considers the presence of forces in Turkey as a symbol of decades-long commitment to work and help in defending a NATO ally and strategic partner.
“The Defense Department also encouraged Turkey to adopt a more constructive policy of S400, Syria and other issues,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that, Turkish President has threatened to close down two US military bases in his country, "if necessary", in response to possible US sanctions on Ankara, in addition to a US Senate resolution that officially recognizes Turkey's "genocide" of Armenians during World War I.
In a televised statement, Erdogan criticized the US Senate's decision issued last Thursday, describing it as "completely political" and warned the United States “against taking irreparable steps in their relations," according to the Anadolu news agency.
“If it is necessary for us to take such a step, of course, we have the authority ... If this is necessary, together with our delegations, we will close down Incirlik if necessary,” Erdogan said on Al Haber TV.
The Incirlik base is one of the most important US military bases in the Middle East, and the US is using it in the airstrikes of the international coalition against ISIS.
Moreover, the Turkish President pointed out that Ankara could respond with its own parliamentary resolutions regarding the recognition of "indigenous Americans" killing in past centuries as genocide.
Within the upcoming days, the US Senate will discuss legislation related to punishing Turkey for the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system.
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