President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a telephone conversation with President Donald Trump of the U.S. on late Wednesday.

Views were exchanged on the latest developments in Syria and Operation Olive Branch, launched by Turkiye against Afrin, and also bilateral matters were discussed.

President Erdoğan underscored that Turkiye is conducting Operation Olive Branch on the basis of international law, pursuant to its right to self-defense under the Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and the U.N. Security Council’s resolutions on the fight against terrorism.

President Erdoğan stated that Turkiye aims to clear Afrin of terrorist elements for its own national security. The importance of bilateral cooperation in the fight against terror was highlighted.

President Erdoğan also reiterated that the U.S. should stop arms support to PYD/YPG within the framework of the fight against terror.

President Erdoğan and U.S. President Trump reaffirmed their determination to continue cooperation and close contact between Turkey and the U.S. regarding the Syria issue as well as bilateral matters.

ILKHA