Obama Calls Turkey’s Erdogan, Expresses Condolences For Attack

US President Barack Obama spoke by phone Thursday with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to express his condolences for those killed and wounded in last weekend’s terrorist attacks in Istanbul carried out by a wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and for Turkish soldiers killed in Syria in the fight against ISIL.

According to the White House, the two leaders agreed to stand resolute in the fight against terrorism.

Additionally, President Obama thanked President Erdogan for Turkey’s efforts to broker a ceasefire in Aleppo to allow for the safe evacuation of fighters and civilians wishing to depart the city under the supervision of international humanitarian organizations, the White House said.

The White House said the two leaders agreed on the need for a nationwide cessation of hostilities and a political solution to the conflict.

Additionally, President Obama and President Erdogan reviewed the progress of the Coalition’s campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and stressed the importance of continued close coordination between the United States and Turkey to build on these successes, the White House said.