BARACK OBAMA DISCUSSES SITUATION IN CAUCASUS WITH TURKISH PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER

APA
Feb 16 2009
Azerbaijan

Ankara – APA. On February 16, U.S. President Barack Obama called
Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

APA reports quoting Turkish media that Obama and Gul talked over the
phone for about 30 minutes. They discussed the issues on Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Caucasus, Middle East and European Union. Barack Obama said
Turkey did important work in the region, especially in Afghanistan and
Caucasus in terms of leadership. Press service of Turkish President
says Barack Obama underlined that he attached great importance to
US-Turkey relations and appraised Ankara’s leadership position in the
regional issues. He emphasized his desire to work together with Turkey.

In his phone talk with Recep Tayyip Erdogan Barack Obama noted the
importance of US-Turkey strategic cooperation. The statement released
by Turkish Prime Minister’s office says: "President Obama noted that
Prime Minister Erdogan’s leadership in the Middle East peace efforts
was of great importance. He said the United States always understood
Turkey’s sensitiveness on this issue. He said the US administration
wants to work with Turkey in achieving peace in the Middle East,
ending PKK terror, and a number of other issues including relations
with Armenia."