ANKARA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said on Wednesday that the United States wanted to continue cooperation with Turkey on counter-terrorism.

    Chertoff, who is currently paying a working visit to Turkey, made the remarks after his meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek.

    Chertoff said his visit was a reflection of the strong and deepties between Turkey and the United States in various areas, especially in counter-terrorism.

    Terrorism was a global threat, said the U.S. official, adding that the world should be unified in the fight against this threat.

    Asked to what extend al-Qaida threats Turkey and possible measures Turkey may take, Chertoff said Turkey has become a target of attacks of al-Qaida and other terrorist groups in recent years.

    Chertoff said al-Qaida continues to target countries which enjoy democratic, free and common values, noting it could be said that all democratic countries were potentially at risk.