NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the President Abdullah Gul at an iftar (meal that breaks fast during the holy month of Ramadan), Turkish Zaman reports.

Erdogan signifies the struggle against terrorism and asked for Secretary General’s assistance in the matter. He also underlined that Turkey will become region’s ambassador of peace and security for Europe.

“Please see my presence here tonight as a clear manifestation of my respect for Islam,” Rasmussen said. The Secretary General emphasized Turkey’s role as a bridge between Arabic world, Europe and Central Asia.

Rasmussen commented on Turkish-Russian relations, pointing out the crucial steps of Turkey in the improvement of Russia-NATO relations. According to him, Russian-Turkish resumed relations should be based on cooperation and mutual confidence. It is a complex process, but still in Russia’s and NATO’s interests.

While meeting NATO Secretary General, Abdullah Gul stated that Turkish side supports both NATO and EU policies, without conflicting each other.

According to preliminary data, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu would advise Rasmussen to establish more constructive relations with Islamic world. He aims to provide Secretary General’s possible cooperation with the Organization of the Islamic Conference.