Yesterday the Vice President met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey in Istanbul. The Vice President reaffirmed the close alliance between the United States and Turkey, and the two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the cooperation in the campaign to degrade and destroy ISIL. The Vice President and President Erdogan also discussed other regional developments, including Syria, the importance of de-escalating recent tensions between Turkey and Iraq in a manner that respects Iraqi sovereignty, and the opportunity for Turkey to expand its energy partnerships in the eastern Mediterranean. The leaders also expressed support for ongoing efforts toward a negotiated settlement in Cyprus. Recognizing PKK is a terrorist organization, the Vice President expressed concern about the ongoing violence in southeastern Turkey, and urged Turkish leadership to engage in dialogue with all of the country's communities who seek a peaceful resolution.