WASHINGTON
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said that the United States had expressed its strong solidarity in Turkey's fight against terrorist organization PKK and would continue to help Turkey counter this threat.
Panetta delivered a speech at a dinner held within the scope of the 31st Annual Conference of the American Turkish Council (ATC) in Washington.
Panetta told Turkish National Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz that "I've appreciated the opportunity to establish a strong working relationship with you over the past year that I have served as Secretary of Defense."
"It was a pleasure to be able to visit you and other Turkish leaders in Ankara last December. I've also had the opportunity to host Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Chief of General Staff Necdet Ozel for consultations at my office in the Pentagon," he said.
"These are all important discussions on real and substantive issues. And they reflect the high priority that both our nations place on this relationship, a relationship that I believe has never been more critical to the long-term security of the world and both of our nations," he said.
Panetta said, "Turkey continues to make vital contributions in Afghanistan, where more than 1,200 Turkish forces are currently deployed. We appreciate the determination and resolve of the Turkish people to assist the international military effort, even in the face of challenges and in the face of tragedy."
"In March, I was deeply saddened by the news that a helicopter crash in Kabul had killed twelve Turkish soldiers. I joined the entire international community in mourning this loss and personally conveyed my condolences to Minister Yilmaz. But in the aftermath of that tragedy, Turkey stayed focused on the mission. In the lead-up to the Chicago Summit, Turkey played a leading role within NATO to ensure that we affirmed our enduring commitment to the security and stability of Afghanistan," he said.
"Just as Turkey has shared in the effort to deny al-Qaeda and its militant allies safe haven in Afghanistan, the United States has expressed its strong solidarity in Turkey's fight against the PKK. In my discussions with Turkish counterparts, I have made clear that we will continue to help them counter this threat. We believe strongly that the most effective way to deal with this issue is not through military means alone," he said.
