US natl security adviser: "Turkey and the US are closer than ever before"

Amid recent tensions in bilateral ties, outgoing US National Security Adviser James Jones yesterday said that Turkish-US defense and security cooperation is closer and needed now more than ever. Speaking at the 29th annual meeting of the American- Turkish Council in Washington, Jones said, "To succeed, we must stand up for each other as NATO allies, strategic partners, and friends, as we have for years." Pointing to Turkey's recent economic success, Jones said, "Turkey's rising economic strength gives the US, which faces many global economic challenges, an opportunity to make headway side by side with Turkey on a partnership basis." Jones is stepping down from his post later this month.