Turkey's defense, Pakistan top Clinton's agenda

[December 03, 2012]  PRAGUE (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has arrived in the Czech Republic for talks on energy policy in a country heavily dependent on Russian fuel.

It's her first stop in a five-day trip to Europe. Also on her agenda are Turkey's defense and U.S. relations with Pakistan.

Clinton joins NATO foreign ministers in Brussels to discuss Turkey's request for Patriot missile assistance. Violence is raging in neighboring Syria, which is believed to have several hundred surface-to-surface missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads -- a particular concern for Turkey, a NATO member.

On Friday, NATO said it will deploy the Patriots within weeks after the move is approved.

Clinton will also meet Pakistan's foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar.

Clinton's trip ends Friday with visits to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

[Associated Press; By BRADLEY KLAPPER]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.