Turkish PM speaks to Obama over Egypt, Syria, Eid al-Fitr

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with the President of United States Barack Obama late Wednesday, sources in Erdogan's office said. As the written statement on the official website of the Turkish Prime Ministry said, Erdogan and Obama exchanged views on the latest developments in Egypt and Syria and in the wider region. "Expressing their concerns over the activities of marginal groups in Syria, Turkish Premier Erdogan and US President Obama stressed the need to support the Syrian opposition embracing all segments of the Syrian society and acting jointly agaist Assad regime forces," wrote the statement. The two leaders both pointed out their concerns over the escalation of violence in Egypt since the military coup on July 3, urging for international support towards a democratic and participatory solution. They agreed on harder, closer and more comprehensive cooperation between Turkey and the US to protect the mutual interests of the two country. The White House also issued a written statement regarding Obama's phone talk with Erdogan, at Turkish Prime Minister’s request, where the President and Prime Minister discussed the danger of foreign extremists in Syria and agreed on the importance of supporting a unified and inclusive Syrian opposition. As for Egypt, the President and Prime Minister also shared commitment to supporting a democratic and inclusive way forward. The two leaders agreed to have their teams continue to coordinate closely to promote the shared interests, said the statement. Obama also gave his best wishes to Erdogan and the Turkish people on the beginning of their Eid al-Fitr holiday.