Readout of the President’s Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey

The President spoke today by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about deepening cooperation in the fight against ISIL.  The President reiterated his condemnation of the October 10 terrorist attack in Ankara and offered condolences as well as U.S. solidarity in the face of the security threats Turkey faces.  The two leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of stepping up military pressure on ISIL and strengthening moderate opposition elements in Syria to create conditions for a negotiated solution to the conflict, including a political transition.  The two leaders also agreed on the urgent need for an end to PKK attacks in Turkey.  In addition, they noted the positive momentum towards a negotiated settlement in Cyprus and pledged their support to settle the conflict. They also discussed the agenda for the upcoming G-20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey.