ANKARA - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that relations with the United States continued to be one of the main pillars of Turkish foreign policy.
''We should be alert against the efforts of various groups and lobbies who are uneasy about the development of Turkish-US relations and we shouldn't permit them,'' told Erdogan in AK Party meeting held in the parliament.
Referring to the many different comments and news made about Turkey-US relations, Erdogan said that they were either wrong or exaggerated.
Pointing out to the sound basis in Turkey-US alliance which continued for 50 years, Erdogan said that further improvement of the relations with the US in line with common interests and mutual benefits was one of the main priorities of the Turkish government. Erdogan stressed that the communication channels at all levels should be open in that regard.
Erdogan said that the high ranking visits between the two countries would continue, stressing that Turkey-US cooperation should continue as regards to Iraq, solution of Arab-Israeli conflict, Caucasus, stability in Central Asia, reform efforts in the Middle East, reconstruction of Afghanistan, fight with terrorism and energy security.
Erdogan stressed that finding a lasting and fair solution in Cyprus, fight with PKK terrorism and Armenian claims constituted an important place in Turkey-US relations.
Referring to the recent claims brought to agenda saying that there was a widespread anti-Americanism in Turkey, Erdogan said that ''the Turkish nation, who has never forgotten the support US extended to Turkey in many issues, is also aware of the fact that the two countries need each other today and tomorrow.''
''However, I should clearly state that the positive responses of not only the US, but of all our allies and partners to our right expectations will contribute significantly to overcoming the disappointment that appears in the Turkish public opinion from time to time,'' said Erdogan.