Ankara: A senior US lawmaker described discussions on Trkiye's potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program as 'very promising,' following meetings held during the July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara.

According to Anadolu Agency, Republican Rep. Mike Turner stated on Sunday that the lawmakers who attended the talks agreed that they could publicly characterize what they heard as encouraging. He refrained from disclosing specific details of what Turkish officials conveyed to members of the US Congress.

"We agreed together that we would be able to publicly say what we heard was very promising," Turner mentioned, highlighting that Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, one of the original authors of the relevant legislation, shared a similar sentiment.

Turner emphasized the significance of Trkiye's potential reinstatement in the F-35 program, calling it 'incredibly important.' He noted Trkiye's role as a strong NATO member, having recently hosted a successful summit.

"I certainly hope that they follow through and that they do so in a manner that returns them to the program," Turner added, stressing the importance of Trkiye's previous role in producing parts for the fifth-generation fighter jet.

"They were also a producer of parts for the F-35. So entering back into production would be very, very important," he concluded.