"Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton at Press Conference at NATO Headquarters
...QUESTION: Guldenay Sonumut from NTV Turkey. The United States of America have asked Turkey to contribute with some troops also in Afghanistan, but – and particularly combat troops, but apparently, Turkey refuses this. How do you evaluate this, bearing in mind that Prime Minister Erdogan will fly to Washington and discuss many, many other issues and, in particular, this? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we are very much looking forward to Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit on Monday. I am very grateful to Turkey. I have worked now with two foreign ministers since becoming Secretary of State, and I am very grateful for the cooperation and their partnership on many important matters.
With respect to Afghanistan, Turkey has been with us from the beginning. Turkey has performed a very important function. They are about, once again, to take over command for the Kabul area. We value highly the Turkish contribution, the professionalization of the Turkish military. And of course, we are always hopeful of getting even more assistance from Turkey because it is so important. But we also are grateful for what we have received. And we look forward to working with Turkey in a leadership position on a number of important issues that will be discussed when Prime Minister Erdogan visits President Obama on Monday."
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