US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter spoke today by telephone with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Işik. They discussed the importance of operations at Incirlik Air Base to the counter-Daesh campaign.
Secretary Carter reiterated the support of the United States for Turkey's democratically elected civilian government and the rule of law.
For his part, Minister Işik expressed his appreciation for the call and assured the secretary that Turkey remains a determined and committed partner and ally in the fight against Daesh and terrorism of all kinds.
The minister expressed regret over his inability to attend the counter-Daesh defense ministerial that Secretary Carter is hosting on Wednesday in Washington, but assured the secretary that the Turkish Ambassador to the United States will be in attendance and will be fully empowered to speak for the Turkish government, the Pentagon press service said.
