US envoy for anti-ISIS coalition, NATO chief to visit Turkey

Gen. John Allen, the U.S. special envoy for the anti-ISIS U.S.-led coalition, and his deputy, Ambassador Brett McGurk, are expected to arrive in Ankara today for a two-day visit to meet with Turkish officials, spokesperson for the United States Department of State Jennifer Psaki said. The meetings will address "basic logistical questions" regarding Turkey's role in the coalition, White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"It is our view that there is a clear interest that Turkey has in working with the international coalition – or international community to deal with the threat that's posed by ISIS, notwithstanding whatever other political interests they may have there."

NATO's newly appointed Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is also expected to arrive in Turkey for a two-day visit as part of his first group of visits to allied capitals. Stoltenberg is expected to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz and Chief of General Staff General Necdet Ozel, a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.