Cavusoglu, Pompeo discuss security of Syria’s Manbij

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo discussed steps to ensure the security and stability in Syria’s city of Manbij, Turkish Foreign Ministry said Monday.

"Minister Cavusoglu and Secretary Pompeo exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues. They reaffirmed their joint resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the statement by the ministry said.

"They considered the recommendations of the Turkey-U.S. Working Group on Syria pertaining to the future of our bilateral cooperation in Syria on issues of mutual interest, to include taking steps to ensure the security and stability in Manbij. They endorsed a Road Map to this end and underlined their mutual commitment to its implementation, reflecting their agreement to closely follow developments on the ground," it added.

Two top diplomats also discussed Turkey-U.S. relations and agreed to hold further meetings of the working group mechanism to resolve "current outstanding issues in the bilateral relationship," the statement said.

"An initial session of the Working Group on Judicial and Other Issues took place immediately after the meeting of the Minister and the Secretary."

Later, Cavusoglu attended a program organized by Turkish Heritage Organization, where he described his meeting with Pompeo as "very fruitful."

"For our side, PKK/YPG and FETO are two major issues and we hope that our ally will stand with us on those issues," he said.

"I am very glad that we have achieved a significant progress," Cavusoglu said. "I can say that it was a very fruitful and successful meeting."