Akar, Austin mull regional issues in phone conversation

Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar had a telephone conversation with Pentagon chief Lloyd James Austin, Report informs referring to Anadolu Agency.

The parties discussed bilateral and regional issues, security issues.

During the call, Akar stated that Turkiye and the US are important allies.

“Anti-terrorist operations are carried out within the framework of Turkiye’s right to self-defense arising from Article 51 of the UN Charter. The purpose of the operations is to ensure the safety of civilians and protect the country’s borders,” he said.

Adding that cooperation and solidarity in the fight against terrorism will contribute to regional and global peace and security, Akar noted that Turkiye is ready to cooperate in the fight against Daesh and similar terrorist organizations.

The Turkish minister stressed that the only targets of the operations are terrorists, “there is no question of harming the coalition forces or the civilian population.”