Turkey and US almost in consensus on Syria and Iraq, Arınç says after meeting with Biden

WASHINGTON – Anadolu Agency

Ankara and Washington are in agreement regarding Syria and Iraq, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç has said following a meeting with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Nov. 22.

“Mr. Biden is an excellent politician who is a friend of Turkey and possesses a well-knowledge about what is happening in our region. His analysis has been very stimulating for us. In fact, Turkey and U.S. are not in disagreement regarding Syria, Iraq or any other issue; on the contrary, [both countries] are almost in consensus,” Arınç said after the 1.5-hour-long meeting, adding that the differences were not substantial.

“With time, [Turkey and U.S.] may speak and act differently. [Biden] said this is not a difference based on principles and, depending on the context, both countries could adopt different conduct. I was pleased [with the meeting] because we had the chance to discuss every question open-heartedly,” Arınç said.

Arınç said he took note of Washington’s concern about radical groups operating in Syria, adding that the United States had expressed full confidence in the Turkish government.

US expects solution on Halki

Although foreign issues were the main focus of the meeting, Arınç said Biden also touched on the opening of the Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary on Istanbul’s Heybeliada island.

“They expressed their appreciation regarding the steps undertaken by our government on the minorities, but also said they expected that we would attain a positive outcome for the opening of Halki Seminary.”