Press Conference Held Following Trump-Erdoğan Meeting

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United States President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in person for the first time yesterday (May 16).
Following the meeting that lasted 20 minutes the two leaders held a joint press conference in the White House.

President Erdoğan in the press meeting said: "It is of great importance that we mutually manifest an act of solidarity against all the terrorist organizations, especially DEAŞ (Islamic State of Syria and Iraq). We are determined on fighting against terrorist organizations which threaten our joint future without making a distinction between these".

"Addressing to the terrorist organizations of YPG/PYD (People's Protection Units/Democratic Union Party) regarding this issue [...] absolutely does not conform with the agreement reached on global level", Erdoğan said.

Regarding the extradition of Fethullah Gülen, which was the other topic on the agenda, Erdoğan said: "I will clearly explain Mr. President our expectations regarding the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization, the perpetrator of the July 15 coup attempt".

Trump: "We appreciate Turkey's efforts to stop the blood in Syria"

Speaking after Erdoğan in the press conference, Trump said: "We want to strengthen economic and commercial ties with Turkey. These are the fields on which we will rebuild our ties for the benefit of both countries".

"We support Turkey in the first fight against terror and terror groups like ISIS and the PKK, and ensure they have no safe quarter, the terror groups" Trump stated.

Noting that he was looking forward to cooperating with President Erdoğan to secure peace and provide security in the Middle East, Trump said as to the civil war in Syria;

"We also appreciate Turkey's leadership in seeking an end to the horrific killing in Syria. The Syrian civil war shocks the conscience of the whole world. And all you have to do is look in the front page of the papers today and you'll see exactly what we're talking about. We also support any effort that can be used to reduce the violence in Syria and create the conditions for a peaceful resolution.". (HK/DG