Discussions are expected to focus on Turkey’s concerns over the presence of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near its border with Syria, a group supported by the United States but viewed by Ankara as a threat.
The discussion will also address Turkey’s potential mediatory role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and explore the implications of Donald Trump’s return to power in the United States on NATO.
During his visit to Ankara, Rutte will also meet with representatives of Turkey’s defense industry and visit the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries, which were recently targeted in a militant attack.
Prior to his visit to Turkey, Rutte met with US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday in Florida.
