President Trump spoke by phone Tuesday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in which he reiterated support as "a strategic partner and NATO ally," according to the White House. Trump discussed the "close, long-standing relationship" between the U.S. and Turkey, in addition welcoming the country's "contributions to the counter-ISIS campaign," the White House said in a statement. The conversation between Trump and Erdogan was the first since the president's inauguration nearly three weeks ago. Officials at Erdogan's office did not immediately provide details on their discussions when asked by the Associated Press. Ankara has pinned hopes for improved ties on Trump's presidency, and the call was being closely watched in Turkey.

Source: Fox News February 08, 2017 01:06 UTC