Turkish, US defense chiefs mull ways to improve relations

ANKARA, Aug 7 (KUNA) -- Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar and his US counterpart James Mattis discussed by phone on Tuesday the situations in Syria and the combat against terrorism as well as bilateral issues.
They exchanged views on ways to solve the existing problems between the two countries, Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported, citing sources of the Turkish Ministry of Defense.
Earlier today, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also spoke over phone on regional issues relations of common concern.
A delegation, led by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal, is set to leave for the US for further talks on ways to deescalate the tensions relating to the detention in Turkey of the American Pastor Andrew Brunson over terrorism charges.
Last Wednesday, the US Department of Treasury imposed sanctions on Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul for failure to release Brunson.
On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered freezing the assets of US secretaries of justice and homeland in Turkey if there is any. (end) rs.gb