NATO chief pledges to defend Turkey

Earlier this month, Rasmussen has said NATO was closely following developments in Syria, stating the world's largest defense organization was ready to do its utmost to protect its ally Turkey.

Following the jet incident between Turkey and Syria, Rasmussen also said that Ankara was justified in beefing up its defenses along the Syrian border.

NATO member Turkey has strengthened its troop presence and air defenses along its southern border since Syria shot down one of its jets on June 22, heightening tensions between the neighbors caused by an uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.