Erdogan, Stoltenberg discuss S-400 deal with Russia, KRG referendum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in New York on Monday in an unplanned meeting ahead of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

Citing presidential sources, Daily Sabah reports that the two officials discussed Turkey-NATO ties, Turkey's S-400 air defense system deal with Russia as well as regional developments, in particular those in northern Iraq and Syria.

Despite criticism from the US, Stoltenberg had defended Turkey's decision to purchase the Russian made system, saying it was a national one and underscored that member states had sovereign rights to make decisions regarding military purchases.

Stoltenberg added that although NATO has an integrated air defense system, it was possible for members to have unintegrated, independent systems.

Erdogan and Stoltenberg also discussed the controversial independence referendum scheduled to be held by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on September 25.

The Iraqi parliament voted last week to reject the non-binding referendum, authorizing the Iraqi prime minister to take all measures necessary to preserve Iraq's unity.

Turkey, the US, Iran and the UN have all backed Baghdad in speaking out against the referendum planned for the Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Iraq, saying the vote would distract from operations against Daesh and lead to greater instability in the region.

A "yes" vote in the independence referendum would not spell immediate independence for the Kurdish region, since the referendum does not have legal force. However, Kurdish officials say they will use it to pressure the Iraqi government in Baghdad to come to the negotiating table and formalize their independence bid.

Meanwhile, Erdoğan also met with representatives from various groups, including ethnic and religious ones.