WASHINGTON / Anadolu Agency

U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matt Whitaker expressed confidence that a deal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey can be finalized.

Whitaker, in a statement to CNN on Sunday, said he understands U.S. Congress concerns about the possibility of technical information regarding U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets reaching Russia.

He said: 'In my opinion, it is an achievable agreement, and I believe it will happen.'

Speaking about the NATO summit held in Ankara, Whitaker described the Turkish military as a 'highly capable ally' and 'integrated with the West.'

He added: 'We need to strengthen this relationship with Turkey further.'

Whitaker noted that the U.S. has red lines, but expressed confidence that President Donald Trump 'will ensure the right agreement' regarding the sale of fighter jets to the Turkish military.

He pointed out that the delivery process will take time if the deal is completed.

Whitaker explained: 'Even if Turkey is reinstated into the program and meets all legal conditions, these aircraft will not be delivered immediately tomorrow.'

He stated that U.S. laws make the Russian S-400 air defense system a prerequisite in the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

He continued: 'What President Trump is doing is negotiating this agreement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.'

The U.S. president made positive remarks during the NATO summit in Ankara regarding Turkey's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets.

Trump noted that relations with Turkey are excellent, saying: 'I think many are asking: why don't we do it? We have a better relationship with Turkey. Turkey has acted much more sincerely than some other partners we thought would be loyal. So this is certainly a topic worth considering.'

He continued: 'It's a great plane, by far the best at the moment, and it's an option we will definitely consider.'

Six years ago, the U.S. Congress passed a law requiring Turkey's removal from the F-35 program as long as it possesses the S-400 system, citing risks of sensitive data reaching Russia.