Washington, DC - The President spoke today by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.  The two leaders discussed the situation in Syria and agreed on the urgency of continued efforts to degrade and defeat ISIL, and to disrupt ISIL’s capacity to conduct terrorist operations in Turkey, Europe, and beyond. 

The President noted the importance of international cooperation to maintain the Cessation of Hostilities and to make progress on a negotiated political transition in Syria.  The two leaders discussed opportunities for deepened cooperation in the fight against all terrorist groups, including the PKK.  In this context, the President emphasized the U.S. commitment to Turkey's security as a NATO Ally.