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Mattis, Turkish Defense Minister Discuss Security Issues in Brussels

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Defense Secretary James N. Mattis met with Turkish Minister of Defense Nurettin Canikli yesterday at the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels to discuss defense-related issues of mutual concern, Defense Department chief spokesperson Dana W. White said in a statement.

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Turkish Minister of Defense Nurettin Canikli at the NATO building in Brussels, Belgium on June 7, 2018. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Turkish Minister of Defense Nurettin Canikli at the NATO building in Brussels, Belgium on June 7, 2018. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Turkish Minister of Defense Nurettin Canikli at the NATO building in Brussels, Belgium on June 7, 2018. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
Mattis Meets Turkish Defense Minister in Brussels
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Turkish Minister of Defense Nurettin Canikli at the NATO building in Brussels, Belgium on June 7, 2018. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
Photo By: DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.
VIRIN: 180607-D-IO684-101

White said the two leaders also reaffirmed the longstanding defense relationship between the U.S. and Turkey.

Mattis praised bilateral efforts in Syria to develop a sustainable long-term arrangement in Manbij to address Turkey's security concerns, ensure stability and security in the region and remain focused on the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, White said.

The secretary encouraged further cooperation to promote local governance acceptable to all parties, and the two leaders agreed to continue strengthening U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation, White said.

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