Top advisers to U.S. President Joe Biden and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke on Wednesday about defense issues and how to resolve disagreements, the White House said, days after Turkey’s leader threatened to expel U.S. and other ambassadors.
Erdogan over the weekend ordered 10 envoys to be declared “persona non grata” for seeking the release of jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala. He withdrew the threat on Monday, saying the envoys had stepped back and would be more careful. read more
“They also agreed on the importance of continued dialogue to manage disagreements and maintain constructive bilateral ties,” the White House said in an allusion to the diplomatic dispute.
The U.S. and Turkish defense ministers also spoke by phone on Wednesday to discuss cooperation, as well as regional defense and security issues, Turkey’s defense ministry said.
