Erdogan arrives at White House for meetings with Trump

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at the White House on Wednesday to hold meetings with his American counterpart.

Erdogan arrived midday for meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump the White House scheduled for more than three hours, and which are to be followed by a joint news conference.

Trump is scheduled to meet select senators before the news conference begins, and reports have suggested that Erdogan will also take part.

The U.S. president's public schedule notes only that Trump is to participate in the "legislative engagement."

The meeting is expected to cover bilateral relations and foreign policy issues, including Syria.

Prior to departing Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey's military operation in northern Syria and the fight against the Fetullah Terror Organization (FETO) would be among major topics addressed during the meeting.

The Turkish president said counterterrorism, especially security issues of common concern, military and defense industry cooperation, as well as economic and commercial relations will also be addressed.

Erdogan last visited Washington in 2017.