WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2016 — During his bilateral meeting today with Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işık at the U.N. Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial in London, Defense Secretary Ash Carter affirmed his support for the long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Turkey, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a readout of the meeting.

Carter is in London as part of a three-day trip to the U.K. and Norway.

Carter said the U.S. would continue to stand side-by-side with Turkey against shared threats, Cook said.

Carter thanked the minister for Turkey's resolve in the fight against terrorism and Turkey's critical support for the counter-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant campaign, the press secretary said.

The secretary and minister discussed Turkey's recent successes against ISIL in Northern Syria, said Cook, adding that Carter assured Işık of the United States' continued support for Turkey's efforts to clear ISIL from its borders.

Cook said the two leaders also discussed the importance of retaking Raqqa in Syria, and the need for local forces to play a central role.

Both leaders agreed to maintain frequent communication on the full range of mutual interests, the press secretary said.