Biden Reiterates U.S. Support For Turkey In Anti-Terror Fight

Istanbul, 15 Rabi’ul Akhir 1437/25 January 2016 (MINA) – US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday reiterated United States support for Turkey’s fight against terror.

Biden’s remarks came at a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, the sources said, adding that during the closed-door meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional issues including Syria and Iraq, International Islamic News Agency (IINA) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Biden said the U.S. supported Turkey’s fight against terrorism including against the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the EU, U.S. and Turkey. He also praised Turkey’s efforts in helping Syrian refugees.

Erdogan said Turkey did not discriminate against any terrorist group, adding that his country had been an active member of the anti-Daesh international coalition since the beginning.

He called on allies to “stay away from any stances or statements that could contribute to those circles which have been trying to undermine Turkey’s determination in the fight against terror”.

The Turkish president said that the instability in Iraq paved the way for terrorist organizations such as Daesh and the PKK, and underlined the serious need to fight for Fallujah and Mosul after Ramadi.

Erdogan and Biden also exchanged ideas on the situation in Syria, and what could be done for a transitional government. (T/P006/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)