US, Turkey Agree to Up Military Exchange

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in Istanbul for the Informal Meeting of NATO Defense Ministers and non-NATO ISAF Contributing Nations. Photo by BGNES

The US Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, met Saturday in Ankara with the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Erdogan.

The two discussed issues related to Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Israel and Iraq.

During the hour-and-a-half talks, the US promised to continue their support for Turkey’s fight against terrorist based in the mountain region of Northern Iraq.

Gates also agreed to send ASAP 3 American “Predator” airplanes to be used by the Turkish army to neutralize the Kurd separatists. The US will secure the supply of the military aircraft to compensate for the delayed delivery of the “Heron” airplanes from Israel.

There will be also intensified intelligence exchange between the Pentagon and the Turkish Defense authorities.

All decisions have been agreed with US President, Barrack Obama, during Erdogan’s trip to Washington in December.

Gates asked in exchange for Turkey to up their participation in the training of the NATO security forces in Afghanistan. The Turkish PM promised to send more Turkish instructors to Kabul and to accept Afghani soldiers for training in Turkey.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!