Pompeo Questions Turkey’s Geopolitical Loyalty at Cyprus Forum

ByTasos Kokkinidis – November 5, 2025

  

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered sharp criticism of Turkey’s foreign policy and defense strategy during his appearance at a recent economic forum organized in Cyprus.

 

Pompeo centered his remarks on what he views as Ankara’s increasingly incompatible geopolitical orientation with its standing as a NATO ally.

 

 

The former head of American diplomacy expressed particular concern over Turkey’s attempt to maintain close diplomatic and military relationships with both NATO allies and Russia simultaneously, characterizing this dual approach as fundamentally incompatible with Western security expectations.

 

Pompeo specifically highlighted Turkey’s controversial acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. He stated that Western powers have been unsuccessful in persuading Ankara that NATO membership and ownership of Russian weapons represent incompatible positions that compromise alliance security.

 

This acquisition led directly to the US removing Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program. His critique essentially questioned the long-term reliability of Turkey as a Western partner given its continued prioritization of ties with Moscow, particularly in the defense sector.

 

 

Pompeo also weighed in on the long-standing Cyprus dispute, offering an assessment that placed the onus for a lack of progress on Turkish leadership.

He asserted that Turkish Cypriots desire a comprehensive settlement and peace with the Greek Cypriot community. However, he suggested that the Turkish political leadership lacks an equivalent commitment to a resolution, thereby obstructing the efforts for reunification and a lasting solution on the island.

  

 The article was published by Greek Reporter on November 5, 2025