International

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Barack Obama discussed a number of regional issues late Wednesday, according to statement from the Turkish presidency, Anadolu reported.

During a more than hour-long telephone conversation the leaders agreed to fight Daesh in the region, notably in Syria and Iraq, as well to not allow the PKK terror group to settle in northern Iraq, the statement said.

They also voiced support for the territorial integrity and political independence of Iraq and Erdogan stressed that current operations in Mosul to rid the Iraqi city of Daesh should be conducted with sensitivity.

Obama said he was pleased with the dialogue process between Turkey and Iraq regarding Ankara’s participation in the anti-Daesh coalition.

He also said he appreciated Turkey’s contribution to the Daesh fight, especially for the use of the Free Syrian Army to clear Daesh elements from the Turkish border.