Biden and Turkish President discuss crisis in Syria The US Vice President Joe Biden has met the Turkish head of state on the sidelines of an energy and economic summit in Istanbul. One of the main talking points in their four-hour meeting was the fight against ISIL militants in Syria. Turkey has been accused of not doing enough in the battle. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President, told reporters: Today global peace is facing serious threats. We plainly see the result of this in the Middle East. Unfortunately, despite this, the international system, while being shocked by the recent events, is failing to play its moderator and stabiliser role. Joe Biden, who was targeted by anti-US protesters in Instanbul, said the two leaders talked about how to "deny ISIL a safe haven." He says they also discussed how to "strengthen the Syrian opposition and ensure a transition away from the regime of President Assad."