Prime Minister of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu attends a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after German-Turkish government consultations at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Saturday the Turkish military was in Iraq to ward off Islamic state of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), reiterating that Ankara respects Iraqi territorial unity.

At a news conference following a meeting with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, Davutoglu said only the legitimate Syrian opposition should be involved with negotiations over Syria.

Davutoglu thanked Biden for visiting Cyprus, adding that the United States will have an important role in Cyprus peace talks.

`

Related articles across the web

• US welcomes Turkish troops pull out in Iraq
• Nope, Biden Didn't Actually Give America the Finger, But Obama Just Did (IMAGE)
• What's behind John Kerry's festive goodwill to the Kremlin?
• Biden bid on cancer research gets boost in spending deal
• US finally takes a position on uninvited Turkish troops in Iraq [VIDEO]
• A Hard-Earned Honor: Angela Merkel is TIME's Person of the Year
• Merkel optimistic Turkey will cut migrant flows to Europe | Reuters
• Joe Biden makes surprise appearance at Georgetown interfaith forum on peace
• Renzi to Merkel: "Dear Angela, you cannot tell us that you are donating blood to Europe!"
• Merkel under pressure: EU countries resisting extension of sanctions against Russia