Obama, Turkish PM stress political solution to Syria crisis
Updated: 2014-02-20 09:53
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to continue efforts to advance a political solution to the Syria conflict, the White House said on Wednesday.
During a telephone conversation, Obama and Erdogan underlined the importance of close cooperation between two countries to address the growing terrorist presence in Syria, which neighbors Turkey, White House said in a statement.
Obama expressed his view that Turkey can "demonstrate leadership in the world through positive engagement," said the statement.
The two leaders also spoke about the importance of concluding the normalization agreement between Turkey and Israel.
Turkey recalled its ambassador from Israel and downgraded ties with the Jewish state after Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, a humanitarian ship owned by a Turkish charity group that was participating in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in 2010. The incident left nine Turkish activists onboard dead.
The aid vessel, part of a larger flotilla group, had been attempting to break Israel's long-standing naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israel offered a belated apology three years later but the normalization of relations has been stymied by the compensation deal for the victims' families.
Related:
China urges continued Syria negotiation
No much progress in Syria peace talks
Related Stories
Syria cries, when will we ever learn 2014-02-19 07:05
Syria in crossroads as Geneva talks deadlocked 2014-02-16 20:55
No much progress in Syria peace talks 2014-02-15 21:06
US, Russia pledge to unblock Syria talks 2014-02-14 09:31
UN chief slams killing of civilians in Syria 2014-02-12 10:04
Obama to visit Saudi Arabia amid tensions over Iran, Syria 2014-02-01 15:51
Today's Top News
Beijing opposes Japan’s Taiwan ambitions
President Xi made cartoon debut
Probes not target foreign firms
China to debut new stealth jet
Snowden elected rector at Scottish university
Beijing open for 'equal' dialogues
Hainan vice-governor under probe
FDI inflow rises 16.11% in January
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Death of panda spurs concerns |
Life after glory of victory |
Games bid to boost winter sports |
Sochi Olympics |
Bittersweet Spring Festival |
Find provides grave paws for thought |