U.S. official: Turkey remains critical ally for U.S.

WASHINGTON (A.A) - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon has said that Turkey would remain a hugely critical ally for the United States within the scope of its new defense strategy. Replying a question about the role of Turkey in U.S. defense strategy, Gordon said that Turkey remained a critical NATO ally, adding that it was no secret to anybody that there remained threats and challenges throughout the region, and the American defense partnership with Turkey bilaterally and as a NATO ally was going to remain critical.  When asked what would be the strategic importance of Turkey's Incirlik airbase, Gordon said that he didn't get into specifics on different airbases in different countries.