It is important to get Turkey back into the F-35 program, Graham said in a post-interview statement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu was present at the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes and was closed to the press.

Speaking after the meeting, Graham said it is important to get Turkey back into the F-35 program, adding that bilateral strategic partnership should be increased.

U.S. and Turkey are trying to protect Syria's territorial integrity, says Graham. "Most importantly, Turkey is protecting 4 million people from slaughter."

"I'm hopeful we can get a more strategic relationship with Turkey is important … try to get them back to the F-35 program, maybe talk about free trade program," said Graham.

US senator Lyndsay Graham added that Turkey is a very important ally, not just when it comes to Syria, really for the whole region.

ILKHA