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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Turkish Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Turkey Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar on the margins of the NATO Defense Ministers meeting to discuss Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, NATO’s unified response, and our strong bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Austin commended Turkey’s contributions to NATO, Turkey’s public statements in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory and aid for the people of Ukraine, and its efforts to mediate a peaceful solution to the crisis.