Turkish defense minister meets UK counterpart in Ankara

ISTANBUL

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Thursday welcomed UK Defense Secretary John Healey in the Turkish capital Ankara.

According to a statement from the National Defense Ministry, Guler welcomed Healey with a military ceremony upon his arrival at the ministry.

The two defense chiefs exchanged views on bilateral and regional defense and security issues and then chaired inter-delegation talks.

During the meeting, Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Metin Gurak and his British counterpart Adm. Anthony David Radakin were also present.

The meeting comes as many European countries are looking to beef up defense spending and cooperation amid signals that the US will have a smaller presence on the continent.