Readout of Vice President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim of Turkey

The Vice President spoke to Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yildirim today to express condolences for the terrorist attacks in Istanbul and Midyat. The Vice President strongly condemned these senseless acts of violence, and the leaders pledged to continue the robust cooperation between the two countries on combatting terrorism. The Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming his leadership role and underscored the importance of the U.S. -Turkey partnership.  The leaders also reaffirmed their strong support for efforts in Cyprus to reach an agreement  that reunifies the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.