Obama: "Assad has to go."

"Today we focused on three things," Barack obama said at the press conference after negotiations with Turkish PM Erdogan in the White House. "First, expanding trade and investment. Trade has surged in recent years."

"Second: As NATO allies, reaffirming commitment on security. Expresses condolences to Turkish people on weekend’s deadly bombings in Turkey."

"Third: U.S. will keep helping Turkey help with Syrian refugees with food, shelter, medicine to save lives. Says Erdogan has been at forefront of push for Democratic Syria without Assad. We both agree Assad has to go," Mr. President concluded.

Erdogan said he is in full agreement with the United States on ending the Syrian civil war. He says he agrees terrorists should not be empowered in Syria. The comment is interesting against the backdrop of recent complaints by Arab countries that Turkey has backed militants in the Syrian opposition.