Turkish, US defense chiefs discuss Syria, regional security and Daesh
Türkiye's Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler. (MoD Photo)
Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation to address key regional and bilateral defense issues, with a particular focus on Syria.
The call came amid the transition in Syria after the fall earlier this month of the Assad regime.
Focus on Syria, bilateral relations and regional security
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the meeting covered regional security dynamics between the two NATO allies.
“During the meeting, bilateral relations and regional defense and security issues, especially Syria, were discussed,” the Turkish Ministry of National Defense stated.
Pentagon’s statement
During the call, both defense leaders emphasized the importance of continued coordination in addressing mutual security concerns, particularly the situation in Syria.
According to a statement shared by the Pentagon, the two sides agreed on the necessity of creating conditions conducive to improved security and stability in Syria.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria.
Secretary Austin emphasized that close and continuous coordination is crucial to maintaining the ongoing success of the Defeat ISIS (D–ISIS) mission.
The Secretary and Minister Guler also discussed the importance of setting the conditions to enable a more secure and stable Syria.
Pentagon
“I spoke with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler today to discuss Syria and our mutual security concerns. We agreed to remain in close communication and affirmed that coordination presents the best opportunity to promote stability in the region.” Secretary of Defense Austin said in a social media post on X.
“Our countries will continue to work together to defeat terrorism and support a more secure and stable Syria,” Lloyd Austin added.
