US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in talks with Turkish officials against ISIL

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has begun talks with Turkish officials over the common threat posed by extremist jihadists in Iraq and Syria as Washington suggested the formation of a coalition to destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Hagel met with Turkey’s top soldier, Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Özel, at the military headquarters early Sept. 8 before his scheduled meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.

Hagel’s visit comes at a crucial moment as U.S. President Barack Obama will announce Washington’s strategy against ISIL on Sept. 10. Obama called on Sunni countries, like Turkey, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, to participate in the international community’s efforts to dislodge the jihadists. Obama’s call followed his suggestion for the formation of a core group in the fight against ISIL that includes Turkey, along with other Western powers.

Hagel was expected to repeat Obama’s call to Turkish officials and discuss ways to deepen cooperation.