READOUT ON THE PRESIDENT’S CALL TO TURKISH PRESIDENT GUL AND PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN

Earlier today (Feb. 16, 2009), 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 21st 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.