The United States has a diverse and multifaceted relationship with Turkey, with important political, military, economic, cultural, and social aspects. The United States and Turkey are seeking to broaden their bilateral relationship through expanded economic and trade cooperation and increased high-level political consultation. In December 1997, President Clinton and Prime Minister Yilmaz agreed on a detailed, five-part agenda to focus bilateral cooperation during 1998.
Turkey is the world's only Muslim country with a secular democracy.
It was the Cold War bulwark of NATO's southern flank. It occupies the West's ideological front line for democracy and free markets. Turkey is playing an important, cooperative role in efforts to resolve conflicts in the Caucasus, Balkans and the Middle East. It supports the UN sanctions against Iraq despite a high cost to its domestic economy. The bilateral security relationship remains important.