Ankara – The U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David L. Goldfein departed Ankara Wednesday following meetings with U.S Embassy leadership as well as Republic of Turkey military leadership to discuss strengthening the strategic military-to-military partnership with the Republic of Turkey.
On Tuesday, Gen. Goldfein met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Hon. John Bass. During their meeting they discussed matters related to furthering the relationship between the U.S. and Turkey.
On Wednesday, Gen. Goldfein also held meetings with Gen. Hulusi Akar, Turkey’s Chief of General Staff, Gen. Abidin Unal, Commander of the Republic of Turkey’s Air Force and Dr. Ismail Demir, Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defense, Undersecretary for Defense Industry. During their meetings they discussed ways to further enhance the partnership between the two Air Forces though military sales, Turkey’s commitment to purchase 100 F-35A Lightning aircraft, and operations.
Following his meetings, Gen. Goldfein said, “My discussions with Ambassador Bass, Dr. Demir, Gen. Unal, and Gen. Akar were informative and insightful. We are committed to and invested in a long term relationship with friend and ally, the Republic of Turkey. The U.S. and Turkey, along with the rest of our NATO allies are stronger and more secure together.”
During Gen. Goldfein’s visit to Turkey, he also met with U.S. Airmen and Marines stationed in Ankara.
Gen. Goldfein’s visit to Turkey is part of a NATO tour to advance mil-to-mil relationships in the region, enhance and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships, and discuss shared security concerns. Gen Tod Wolters, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa, Commander, Allied Air Command and Ms. Heidi Grant, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs also traveled to Turkey with Gen. Goldfein.
