Yesterday, the Vice President spoke with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to address the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in northern Syria, emphasizing the imperative for de-escalation in the area. The Vice President noted U.S. efforts to discourage Syrian Kurdish forces from exploiting current circumstances to seize additional territory near the Turkish border, and urged Turkey to show reciprocal restraint by ceasing artillery strikes in the area. The two leaders pledged to work together, emphasizing the need to protect displaced and vulnerable populations in northwest Syria and ensure routes for humanitarian assistance to Aleppo remain open. The Vice President expressed support for Turkey’s fight against PKK terrorism and the two leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of defeating ISIL and to work towards a cessation of hostilities, as agreed in Munich.

###