Trump, Erdogan discuss working group on Russian S-400 missile system

US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call on Monday discussed a Turkish proposal to create a joint working group on its planned purchase of a Russian S-400 missile defence system, the Turkish Presidency said, reports Reuters.

“Our Honourable President brought up the proposal to establish a working group regarding the procurement of the S-400 defence system from the Russian Federation,” it said.

The two countries have argued for months over Turkey’s order for the missile defence system, which the United States says is incompatible with NATO’s defence network and could compromise its F-35 fighter jets.

READ: Turkey pins hopes on Trump to avoid sanctions over Russia missile deal

Ankara has said a working group could assess the impact of the S-400 on the fighter jets, but on Friday said that it has not heard back from the Americans.

The White House confirmed on Monday that Trump and Erdogan had discussed Turkey’s planned purchase of the S-400 missile defence system.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several US  senators have warned Turkey it will face penalties for buying S-400s under a law that calls for sanctions against countries procuring military equipment from Russia.

Turkey has said that as a NATO member, it poses no threat to the United States and the sanctions should not apply.

Trump and Erdogan also discussed trade and the ongoing crisis in Syria, the White House said.

READ: Turkey eyes Trump protection from any sanctions for Russian missile system purchase