Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional issues during a telephone call Friday.
The two officials spoke about political and economic relations, cooperation in defense, global and regional matters, the Turkish Presidency said in a statement.
They also discussed the humanitarian and political situation in Afghanistan, the territorial integrity of Syria and clearing of terrorists, the political process and upcoming elections in Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, developments on Ukraine’s borders, the migrant crisis on the Poland-Belarus border and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Details of a joint strategic mechanism agreed during the meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rome were also discussed.
US National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne also said in a statement that Kalin and Sullivan “discussed next steps in U.S.-Turkey bilateral engagements” after the meeting between Biden and Erdogan in Rome on Oct. 31.
National Security Advisor @jakejsullivan spoke by phone today with @ikalin1, Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey. They discussed next steps in U.S.-Turkey bilateral engagements following the meeting between President Biden and President Erdogan in Rome +
— Serra Karaçam (@serrakaracam) November 19, 2021
“They exchanged views on a range of regional issues, including developments in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, and the South Caucasus, as well as the importance of maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,” she said.
Russian military activity near Ukraine
The US is concerned about reports of “unusual” Russian military activity near Ukraine, the nation’s top diplomat said Wednesday.
Antony Blinken said any escalatory or aggressive actions would be “a great concern” to the US, during a joint news conference with Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
“We’re monitoring the region very closely. As we always do, we’ll continue to consult closely as well with allies and partners on this issue,” said Blinken.
The US is supporting de-escalation in the region and diplomatic resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, he noted. “We stand with Ukraine,” he said.
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Kuleba hailed Washington for defending Ukraine’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression.”
“And I appreciate the messages that were conveyed to us today by our American partners. We are grateful for the readiness of the United States to expand cooperation with Ukraine,” said Kuleba. “The best way to deter aggressive Russia is to make it clear for the Kremlin that Ukraine is strong.”
Anadolu with additional input by GVS News Desk