UPDATE – Turkish, US defense chiefs hold talks in Washington

ADDS PENTAGON STATEMENT IN GRAFS 5-6</p> <p>By Ali Murat Alhas</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s defense minister and his U.S. counterpart on Tuesday met in Washington to discuss recent political and military developments.</p> <p>According to a statement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, Hulusi Akar and Patrick Shanahan discussed developments in Syria, bilateral relations, other regional security issues, and defense industry cooperation between both countries.</p> <p> Akar &quot;reiterated Turkey’s views and expectations on the proposed Safe Zone in Syria, S-400 procurement, F-35 aircraft and latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean,&quot; according to the statement.</p> <p>It said Akar underlined the importance of cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. on the basis of strategic partnership that would ensure stability and security of both countries. </p> <p>The Pentagon said the two leaders met as &quot;strategic partners.&quot; </p> <p>A Pentagon spokesman said in a statement that both Shanahan and Akar emphasized &quot;the importance of U.S.-Turkish cooperation bilaterally and as NATO Allies in achieving mutual security and economic prosperity for both countries and the region.&quot;</p> <p>*Umar Farooq contributed to this report from Washington