Pentagon: Turkey remains an ‘indispensable partner’

Cansu Çamlıbel - WASHINGTON

Turkey’s decision to recall its ambassador to the U.S. from Washington to Ankara will not halt the two countries’ security cooperation, Pentagon spokesperson Eric Pahon said on May 15.

“We continue to work with our close NATO ally, Turkey, on a variety of mutual security concerns. They continue to be an indispensable partner in operations to defeat ISIS,” Pahon said when asked about Turkey’s move in protest at the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem on May 14.

Turkey also recalled its ambassador to Israel, Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem, after Israeli security forces killed at least 60 Palestinians during protests against the U.S. decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“Turkey has recalled ambassadors from Tel Aviv and Washington for consultations,” Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ told reporters in Ankara following a cabinet meeting on May 15.