US seeks to expand defense ties with Turkey - Pentagon

Washington. October 2. INTERFAX - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a telephone conversation with the head of the Turkish Defense Ministry, Hulusi Akar, spoke in favor of expanding military cooperation between the two countries, including in the fight against terrorism, the Pentagon said.

"Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar to discuss opportunities to expand and strengthen long-standing defense ties and exchange views on regional issues, including the common threat of terrorism," the Pentagon said in a statement.