The relationship between the US and Turkey has been poor since Turkey chose to buy Russian robotic systems in 2017. If Turkey is allowed to buy the US F-16 plane, the deal could be worth $20 billion.
A yes from the US would most likely make Turkey relax its demands on Sweden and Finland.
- A Turkish purchase of American fighter jets has been a kind of quid pro quo.
No one wants to say it openly, but that is how it is reported in the Turkish media, says Tomas Thorén, SVT's correspondent in Turkey.
Expecting the go-ahead
Foreign Minister Cavusoglu already expressed before the meeting that he expects a go-ahead, but the US seems to expect something in return.
- A deal this big has to be approved by the US Congress, and there the members are much more open and straightforward compared to the White House.
And I have seen several members say that they absolutely will not vote yes to this deal unless they have a clear approval from Turkey that they look positively on Swedish and Finnish NATO membership.
Hear Stefan Åsberg and Tomas Thorén about the foreign ministers' meeting in the clip.