Davutoglu in Washington to discuss Syria, Chinese missile deal

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu left for Washington on Sunday to start a two-day official visit to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments with top American officials. Davutoglu is visiting the US on the invitation of his American counterpart, John Kerry. The foreign minister is also expected to meet with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Davutoglu last visited Washington in May, when Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talks with US President Barack Obama. One of the hot topics on the table is the Syrian civil war, which has raged on Turkey's doorstep for more than two-and-a-half years. Davutoglu is also going to bring up the Geneva II conference and the future of Syria in an effort to lay the groundwork for a smooth transition in the war-torn country, according to media reports. "During the visit, there will be meetings with officials from the White House, the State Department and the US Senate. Bilateral ties and regional developments, including Syria, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, will be the main agenda for Davutoglu and Kerry," a Turkish official who wished to remain anonymous told Today's Zaman. Davutoglu will also bring up the issue of Syrian refugees living in Turkey and neighboring countries. Turkey's much-debated choice to acquire a Chinese long-range missile-defense system is also expected to be discussed. Davutoglu will tell Kerry that Turkey will consider a new bid from the competing American firm and evaluate how well it meets Turkey's needs, which are technology transfer, co-production, quick delivery and a reasonable price, according to some media reports. "The issue of the Chinese missile [deal] might be discussed in these bilateral meetings, but it is certain that it won't be the most important topic. This is an issue that should be discussed between defense ministers. Davutoglu isn't even part of the commission that is responsible for the missile deal," the Turkish official explained.