Erdogan and Trump want to accelerate talks on safe zone in Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to keep pursuing a negotiated settlement for northeastern Syria that meets both countries’ security needs.

"President Trump spoke with President Erdoğan of Turkey today on a number of important bilateral issues. President Erdogan expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of American lives in Manbij, Syria this week," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a description of the call.

"President Trump underscored the importance of defeating terrorist elements that remain in Syria," the spokeswoman added.

"The two leaders agreed to continue to pursue a negotiated solution for northeast Syria that achieves our respective security concerns. They also discussed their mutual interest in expanding the trade relationship between the United States and Turkey," Reuters cited Sanders as saying.