The spokesman for Turkeys ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) downplayed concerns about the countrys drift away from its Western allies on Wednesday, reiterating Ankaras commitment to good relations with the European Union and to its commitments as a member of NATO.

Turkeys place in the NATO alliance has come under question this year, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoanreceived the first shipments of Russian-built S-400 missile defence systems in a deal agreed with Moscow in December 2017.

U.S. and NATO officials see the S-400s as a potential security hazard to NATO defence systems, with their arrival triggering speculation that Turkeys future in the alliance could be in question.

AKP spokesmanmer elik saidtalk of an exit from NATOshowed a lack of foresight and stressed Turkeys contributions to the alliance.

Turkey is the country that best fulfils its undertakings as a NATO member,elik said, referring to defence spending guidelines that U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised EU members of NATO for failing to meet.

But it (Turkey) doesnt receive the same benefits back from NATO,eliksaid.

The AKP spokesman also touched on Turkeys relations with the EU, which have been marred by concerns over Ankaras human rights and rule of law record since a failed coup in July 2016 sent the country into a protracted period of emergency rule.

Our president has said this period will be one of reform Our (planned) legal reforms contain many articles that will strengthen our relationship with the EU The judicial reform package will most likely come to parliament in October,said elik.

EU lawmakers voted to suspend accession talks with Turkey in November 2016 amid a post-coup crackdown on opposition and dissidents in the country. However, Erdoanhas said joining the union is still a priority.

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Turkey committed to EU relations and NATO ruling party spokesman - Ahval