Obama meets Turkish leaders to boost ties with ‘critical ally’

US President Barack Obama began talks with Turkish leaders at the start of a two-day visit aimed at revitalising ties with the country.

US President Barack Obama began talks with Turkish leaders on Monday at the start of a two-day visit aimed at revitalising ties with a mainly Muslim ally and firmly anchoring it to the West.

Obama flew to Ankara on Sunday with a strong message in support of Turkey’s bid to join the European Union,seen by many as the ultimate step on Ankara’s road towards integration with the West,a vision set down by the country’s founding father,Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

“I look forward to strengthening relations between the United States and Turkey and supporting Ataturk’s vision of Turkey,” Obama wrote in the memorial book at Ataturk’s mausoleum where he laid a wreath ahead of official talks.

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Praising Ataturk as a “man with vision,tenacity and courage who put Turkey on the path of democracy”,he added: “Peace at home,peace in the world,” quoting one of the most popular sayings of Ataturk.

Under strict security measures with about 4,000 policemen on duty,Obama proceeded from the mausoleum to the presidential palace where he was warmly greeted by President Abdullah Gul and honoured with 21 cannon shots.

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