ISTANBUL, 17 October, 2020, (TON):  Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that “Canada’s suspension of the export of some drone technology was not in line with the spirit of alliance”.

Canada suspended the export of some drone technology to Turkey earlier this month as it probes allegations that the equipment was used by Azeri forces who are involved in fighting with Armenia.

On Friday, in a phone call Erdogan and Trudeau talked about improving relations and increasing bilateral trade, they also talked about overcoming issues concerning cooperation in the defense sector.

During the call, President Tayyip Erdogan said “Canada’s suspension of the export of some military goods to Turkey due to the Azerbajian-Armenia conflict... is against the spirit of alliance”.  

Turkey and Canada are both members of NATO.

Following Canada’s announcement, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry had said the suspension showed a double standard.

According to exports data Turkey’s military exports to its ally Azerbaijan have rised six-fold this year, with sales of drones and other military equipment rising to $77 million last month alone before fighting broke out over the Nagorno-Karabakh region,

However Ankara has said, it will stand firmly beside its close ally in the clash over Nagorno-Karabakh.