Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper and Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar spoke over the phone today. During the call, the two leaders discussed the Assad regime's brutal aggression in Idlib, which is backed by Russia and Iran; the resulting humanitarian crisis in Northwest Syria; and Libya. As President Trump said on Tuesday, and as discussed in today's call, we are exploring ways the United States can work together with Turkey and the international community.

President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. President Trump expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, Syria, and thanked President Erdogan for Turkey’s efforts to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. President Trump conveyed the United States’ desire to see an end to Russia’s support for the Assad regime’s atrocities and for a political resolution to the Syrian conflict. President Trump also reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation.”

President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey

President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.  The two leaders discussed the need to eliminate foreign interference and maintain the ceasefire in Libya.  The leaders agreed that the violence being carried out in Idlib, Syria must stop.  President Trump also highlighted the importance of Turkey and Greece resolving their disagreements in the eastern Mediterranean.