Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish President Erdogan

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.  Secretary Blinken and President Erdogan spoke about the conflict in Gaza. The Secretary emphasized the need to prevent the conflict from spreading, secure the release of hostages, expand humanitarian assistance and reduce civilian casualties, and work toward broader, lasting regional peace that ensures Israel’s security and advances the establishment of a Palestinian state.  Secretary Blinken and President Erdogan also discussed European security priorities, including defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, completing Sweden’s accession to NATO, and strengthening trade and investment between the United States and Türkiye.