READOUT ON THE PRESIDENT’S CALL TO

TURKISH PRESIDENT GUL

AND PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN

From White House

Earlier today, President Obama had warm and productive phone conversations with Turkish President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan. Both discussions were wide-ranging. The President emphasized the importance of the United States ’ alliance with Turkey and said he looks forward to working with both President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan on a broad agenda of mutual strategic interest. The President emphasized his desire to strengthen U.S.-Turkish relations and to work together effectively in NATO. In each call, he reiterated the need to cooperate to meet the challenges of the 21^st century together. In both calls, the leaders discussed a number of current issues, including U.S. support for the growing Turkish-Iraqi relationship, the importance of cooperation in Middle East peace efforts, and the U.S. review on Afghanistan and Pakistan policy.

# # #

FROM TURKISH WEEKLY

Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with US President Barack Obama on Monday, the Presidency and Prime Ministry officials said.

US President Barack Obama first called his counterpart Abdullah Gul. They talked on the phone for 30 minutes, which has been the longest conversation between the US President and Turkish President for a long time. Although Turkey and Israel have problems, Obama didn't mention on this issue. They mainly talked on the Afghanistan issue, Caucasia issue, Middle East issue and European Union.

US President Obama then called Premier Erdogan and they discussed regional and global issues during the phone conversation. Obama mentioned that the strategic cooperation between the two countries is very important. Erdogan says, as allies, they really do significant work in many areas with US.

B4B