As we reported earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Turkiye.

Axar.az reports that the U.S. Department of State has issued a statement regarding the meeting.

It was noted that the two sides discussed strong U.S.-Turkish regional cooperation and shared interest in supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition to an accountable and inclusive government.

The meeting also addressed the necessity for all actors respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, and taking all feasible steps to protect civilians, including members of minority groups.

Furthermore, Secretary Blinken noted the importance of facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need and emphasized that displaced Syrians will continue to need protection and the need to ensure the coalition to defeat ISIS can continue to execute its critical mission.

He also discussed the urgent need to conclude a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and surges humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian civilians.