STORY: Türkiye, U.S. discuss Syria's stability, Gaza ceasefire
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 13, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 14, 2024
LENGTH: 0:00:42
LOCATION: Ankara
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the meeting between Fidan and Blinken
2. various of the joint press conference
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): HAKAN FIDAN, Turkish Foreign Minister
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANTONY BLINKEN, U.S. Secretary of State

STORYLINE:

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting in Ankara on Friday on combating terrorism and achieving stability in Syria.

After their meeting, Fidan and Blinken held a joint press conference.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): HAKAN FIDAN, Turkish Foreign Minister
"Our priorities include ensuring stability in Syria and preventing the dominance of terrorist organizations such as IS (Islamic State) and the PKK (outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party). We agreed that a ceasefire in Gaza should be reached as soon as possible."

Fidan emphasized the alignment between the two nations in addressing key challenges in the region and said their talks focused on exploring solutions to Syria's ongoing crisis and broader regional issues.

Blinken, for his part, acknowledged Türkiye's role in influencing Hamas to reach a hostage ceasefire agreement, adding that there's broad agreement on expectations for the interim government in Syria -- one that is inclusive, protects minority rights, rejects extremism, and poses no threats to its neighbors.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANTONY BLINKEN, U.S. Secretary of State
"We appreciate very much the role that Türkiye can play in using its voice with Hamas to try to bring this to a conclusion."

The two officials also reiterated their commitment to ongoing counter-IS efforts.

Blinken arrived in the Turkish capital on Thursday following a visit to Jordan. Upon his arrival, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting with him on the situation in Syria.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ankara.
(XHTV)