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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary Carter's Call with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Işık

Deputy Press Secretary Gordon Trowbridge provided the following readout:
 
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter called Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Işık today to express his deep condolences following yesterday's heinous terrorist attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
 
Secretary Carter strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Istanbul as a cowardly assault on a stalwart NATO ally and enduring partner in our efforts to confront the threat of terrorism.  He emphasized that the Defense Department joins with the people of Turkey in mourning the victims of this tragedy, and reaffirmed that the Department will work closely and resolutely with Turkish allies to defeat terrorists of any kind.
 
The Secretary also commended Minister Işık on reports of selfless acts by Turkish security personnel at the airport during this attack. Secretary Carter and Minister Işik agreed to confer again at the upcoming NATO Warsaw Summit.