Turkish, US defense chiefs tackle NATO, regional security
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Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin discuss bilateral and regional defense issues during a phone call.
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Department personnel during a visit by US President Joe Biden at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, February 10, 2021. (Reuters)
During a phone call, Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin tackled Finland's accession to NATO and the Black Sea grain deal.
Akar and Austin also discussed bilateral and regional defense issues, as per a Turkish National Defense Ministry statement.
The two officials further affirmed the importance of extending the Black Sea grain deal.
It is worth noting that the grain export deal has helped ease the global food crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine and the Western sanctions against Russia.
“The importance of the rapid and positive conclusion of our country's F-16 procurement and modernization project was emphasized,” the statement said.
The Turkish Minister also expressed his gratitude for the US' assistance and solidarity in the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey's southern provinces in February.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he highlighted that Ankara backs NATO's Open Door Policy, stressing that "Finland's membership shows this once again and it is hoped that Sweden will fulfill its commitments as soon as possible.”
On his account, Austin affirmed the US' willingness to provide all kinds of support to Turkey “to heal the wounds of the earthquake,” as per the statement.
Thousands have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a powerful earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6. The 7.8-magnitude quake was one of the strongest to strike the area in more than a century.
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