U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Turkey on Thursday for talks focused on a critical aspect of establishing stability in Syria: clashes in the north of the country between U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and Turkey-backed rebels.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Turkey, engaging in discussions with President Erdogan on stabilizing Syria amidst tensions between Kurdish forces and Turkey-backed rebels. The focus remains on fostering a Syrian-led political transition and combating the Islamic State.

The top U.S. diplomat will meet with regional leaders to emphasize U.S. support for a Syrian-led transition to “an accountable and representative government.”