Yildirim to meet US vice president to smooth ties

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim is due to meet Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday, when differences between Turkey and Washington will be high on the agenda.

Yildirim, who arrived on Tuesday on a four-day visit, will meet Pence at the White House before travelling to New York. President Donald Trump is currently on a tour of Asia.

Among the issues expected be discussed will be the visa row between the countries. The dispute was prompted by the arrest of Turkish staff at U.S. diplomatic missions in Turkey but appears to be moving towards resolution.

The leaders will also address the issue of PKK/PYD terror group in Syria, which is backed by the U.S. against Daesh despite Ankara naming it a terrorist organization.

The extradition of Fetullah Gulen, said to have orchestrated last year’s defeated coup attempt in Turkey, is also likely to be mentioned.

Economic and military ties, Syrian refugees and instability in Syria and Iraq will also come up for discussion.

Later Thursday, Yildirim will meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and representatives of the Jewish community in New York before addressing investors at dinner.