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Defense Secretary Gates Emphasizes Transparency, Cooperation, and Communication
February 28, 2008
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates paid a one-day visit to Turkey today. While in Ankara, Secretary Gates met with Turkish Minister of Defense Gönül, TGS Chief General Büyükanıt, Prime Minister Erdoğan and President Gül. He began his day with a visit to Anıtkabir where he laid a wreath and signed the guest book. Secretary Gates had positive discussions with Turkish officials on a wide range of military and security issues, including the ongoing operations against the PKK. After his meeting with Ministery Gönül, the Secretary told reporters about the operations against the PKK, "I believe there is a broad appreciation of the complexity of the situation - balancing the right of Turkey to defend itself with the need to maintain the Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity. The key for all parts is transparency, cooperation and communication."
. Secretary Gates Press Conference with Turkey's Ministry of Defense