Turkey will speak with all interested parties, including Russia, over its plans to develop a long-range missile defence system, a top defence official said on Tuesday.

NATO member Turkey last year cancelled a $3.4 billion tender for such a system, after it had been provisionally awarded to China, a move that had stirred concern from the United States and other Western allies.

Ismail Demir, Turkey's undersecretary for defence industries, told a news conference in Ankara that Turkey was willing to speak any interested parties, including Russia and previous bidders.

He also said Turkey was in the final stages of evaluating a renewed offer from automotive manufacturer Otokar for its Altay tank project.

Source : in.reuters.com