Erdogan-Blinken meeting, which was discussed
Last Updated on December 15, 2024 6:43 am
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The meeting was held in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday (December 12).
The issue of establishing stability in Syria is believed to have gained importance in the discussions. The conflict between US and Turkish-backed rebel groups continues in northern Syria.
According to a Reuters report, US President Antony Blinken is visiting the Middle East for the first time since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria last week (December 8). After visiting Jordan, he went to Turkey on Thursday. There, Blinken met with Erdogan at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport.
A photo of Erdogan’s meeting with Blinken was shared in a post on X by the Turkish presidential office. The meeting is said to have emphasized that the international community should work together to rebuild Syria.
The US State Department said that the importance has been given to the United States and Turkey working together to change the political landscape in Syria.
In Syria, there is a conflict between US-backed forces and Turkish-backed rebels. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are receiving support from the US coalition. This force is led by the People’s Protection Group (YPG).
Turkey believes that the YPG is an organization affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The Turkish government sees the PKK as a terrorist organization.
Before leaving for Turkey, Blinken said, “The PKK is a danger to Turkey. But at the same time, we want to avoid conflict within Syria. We want the interim government to be formed smoothly and to function well.”
Earlier on Thursday, Blinken met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. There they discussed the future of Syria. Both reportedly stressed the need to keep Syria safe.
Blinken pledged, “The United States will ensure the security of Jordan and other neighboring countries in Syria during this transition.” He added, “There are many real interests in Syria. Now it is very important to ensure that there is no new conflict.”