Turkish Meeting 'Productive,' Dialogue Needed

EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called his meetings with top Turkish leaders in Ankara, Turkey, "productive" and said he believes the Turks are working harder to keep the Iraqi government aware of their country’s current counterterrorism operations in northern Iraq. Story

Quicker is Better for Turkish Military Ops in Iraq

ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 27, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates landed in Turkey today with the message for the country’s leaders that sooner is better for wrapping up Turkish military operations in northern Iraq. Story

India Visit Aimed at Long-Term Relationship

NEW DELHI, Feb. 27, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wrapped up a two-day visit to India after talks with top officials aimed at developing a long-term relationship with India. Story

Gates Looks to Strengthen Ties with India

NEW DELHI, Feb. 26, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates landed in New Delhi looking to expand on what one official said already is one of the best military-to-military relationships the United States has with any country in the world. Story

Gates Pledges U.S. Support to Indonesian Military

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb. 25, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates heralded Indonesia as a leader in its region and pledged U.S. support to help the country continue its military reforms and build airlift and maritime capabilities. Story

Turkey Ops in Iraq No Threat to Stability

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 24, 2008 – The recent push of Turkish tanks and troops across the border into northern Iraqi Kurdistan does not pose a threat to security gains in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story

Nature of Conflict in Afghanistan Changing

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 24, 2008 – The Taliban in Afghanistan will resort to more terror killings because they have been unsuccessful against NATO and U.S. troops in direct combat, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story

U.S., Australia Reinforce Defense Relationships

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 23, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reinforced the longstanding relationship between Australia and the United States and pledged continued cooperation between the countries’ defense departments. Story

Pause Should Not Slow Down Troops' Return

EN ROUTE TO CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 21, 2008 – A short pause after the initial withdrawal of five brigade combat teams from Iraq should not sideline efforts to bring more troops home by the end of the year, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story

U.S.-Australia Talks to Focus On Iraq, Afghanistan

EN ROUTE TO CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 21, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates plans to discuss Australia's future efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the globe as he meets for the first time with the country’s newly elected Prime Minister Kevin Rudd this weekend. Story

Shoot Down Shows Missile Defense System Works

EN ROUTE TO CANBERRA, Australia, Feb. 21, 2008 – The Navy's outer-atmosphere blasting of an ailing U.S. spy satellite this week proves that the nation’s missile defense systems work, Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story

USS Russell Tour Includes Launch Drills

U.S. NAVAL STATION PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, Feb. 21, 2008 – Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates toured the USS Russell, one of the three ships used for the shooting of the dying spy satellite orbiting earth. Story

Gates Pleased by Mission's Success

HONOLULU, Feb. 21, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was pleased when he learned a U.S. Navy missile hit the crippled reconnaissance satellite that was threatening to spill its toxic rocket fuel. Story

Transcripts Feb. 28, 2008:  Press Conference with Turkey's Ministry of Defense Feb. 28, 2008:  Media Roundtable from India Feb. 26, 2008:  Media Roundtable from Australia Feb. 25, 2008:  Indonesian Council on World Affairs Photo Essays Feb. 28, 2008:  Gates Meets Turkish Minister of Defense in Ankara, Turkey Feb. 27, 2008:  Gates Meets Ministry of Defense in New Delhi Feb. 26, 2008:  Gates Visits New Delhi, India Feb. 25, 2008:  Gates Visits Jakarta, Indonesia Feb. 25, 2008:  Gates Tours Australian War Memorial Feb. 23, 2008:  Gates at Australian Ministerial Feb. 22, 2008:  Gates Visits the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Feb. 21, 2008:  Gates Visits the USS Russell