Erdoğan: Turkey Cannot Bear a New Influx of Refugees

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President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has hosted US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

Turkey cannot bear a new influx of migrants from Syria, the president said at a reception, which was held as part of Ross' visit to Turkey.

"We expect from the U.S. to stand with us in our efforts on fighting terrorism and on establishing safe zones for migrants," Erdogan said.

"I have a sincere and strong with my friend President Trump," he added, noting that the US President has been "positive" about the establishment of the safe zone.

On August 7, military officials from Turkey and the US agreed to set up a "safe zone" in northern Syria and develop a "peace corridor" to facilitate the movement of displaced Syrians who want to return home. They also agreed to establish a joint operations center.

The agreement also envisaged removing the Peoples' Protection Units (YPG) from the area.

Speaking about bilateral trade with the US, the Turkish president said he discussed with Trump on initiating negotiations on a free trade agreement, adding related ministers from both countries would start working on it soon.

"We want more U.S. companies to invest in our country. We are ready to provide every necessary support to the U.S. investors," he highlighted. (RT/VK)