Turkish, US defense ministers discuss security issues

BRUSSELS

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işık discussed a number of security issues on the sidelines of the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels on June 14. 

The ministers both sought to highlight the close friendship between the two countries, with Carter reaffirming the “steadfast” commitment of the United States and NATO to Turkey’s security in the face of “Russian aggression and a range of terrorist threats.”

Carter also emphasized Turkey’s “important role” in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including Turkey’s increased border security efforts. The two leaders also discussed their countries’ cooperation on countering terrorism.

In addition, Carter thanked Işık for Turkey’s efforts in addressing irregular migration to Europe and its ongoing commitment to Afghanistan’s security.