World Bulletin/News Desk

US State Department spokesperson Jennifer Psaki laid out US concerns Monday over Turkey’s recent decision to partner with a Chinese firm for a missile defense contract.

"We of course have conveyed our serious concerns about the Turkish government's contract discussions with a U.S.-sanctioned company for a missile defense system that will not be inter-operable with NATO systems or collective defense capabilities," Psaki told a daily press briefing. She added: "Our discussions will continue."

The Turkish government said last week that it plans to partner with Chinese firm Chinese Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation, CPMIEC, to produce, and acquire, the FD-2000 missile defense system.

CPMIEC is currently under sanctions by the US government for its violations of the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act.

Democratization package welcomed

Psaki addressed Turkey’s recently announced democratization package, saying, "We welcome the Turkish government's announcement of the democratization reform it intends to pursue."

She further urged the Turkish government to re-open Halki Seminary, the closed theological school on Halki Island off Istanbul.

"We continue to encourage the government of Turkey to make additional reforms to expand the enjoyment of religious freedom," adding that the US was disappointed that the reopening of Halki Seminary was not included in reform package.