The Secretary-General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday evening was received by the president of Turkey, Recip Tayip Erdogan in Ankara.
Stoltenberg said that NATO continues to stand in solidarity with Turkey, with increased naval and air presence, and with defensive missile systems on the border with Syria, Mr Stoltenberg said.
The Secretary General also reiterated NATO's condemnation of the recent coup attempt, expressing condolences for those who lost their lives, and respect for the courage of the Turkish people. "Any attack on democracy, in any of our countries, is an attack on the very foundation of our Alliance. A strong and democratic Turkey is essential for the stability and security of Europe and the region," he said.
On Friday, Mr. Stoltenberg will meet with Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Defence Minister Fikri Işık and other senior officials.
source: commonsapce.eu with the NATOP press service
photo: President Erdogan of Turkey with jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General of NATO in Ankara on 8 September 2016 (picture courtesy of NATO press service)
