Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advances presidential and parliamentary elections by a month. Ghadi Francis brings you all the details on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Turkiye President Erdogan reschedules elections

A bus in Turkiye carrying seven passengers plunged into a reservoir after the driver lost steering control. CCTV footage from inside the bus showed the moment of panic for the bus driver and passengers as water flooded into the vehicle after it had fallen.

Passengers panic as bus falls into lake in Turkiye, no fatalities reported

Turkish President Erdogan has threatened to block Sweden's NATO bid over the burning of Quran by a right-wing politician.

Gravitas: Erdogan threatens to block Sweden's NATO bid

The Biden administration reiterated its support for both Finland and Sweden joining NATO at the earliest opportunity. Turkiye's president said Sweden should not expect his country's support after a protest near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm at the weekend.

US reiterates support for Sweden, Finland joining NATO

Aid workers and volunteers unload a humanitarian train carrying around 500 tonnes of food, clothes, and hygiene products, which arrived from Turkey via Iran. More than half of the country's 38 million people are facing hunger this winter, and nearly four million children are suffering from malnutrition, according to aid agencies.

Watch: Turkish train carrying humanitarian aid arrives in Afghanistan

Tensions between Turkiye and Sweden climaxed when the leader of a Danish far-right political party burned the Quran while protesting in front of Turkey’s embassy in Stockholm. Political Analyst Stephen Golub talks more on Turkiye and Sweden tensions.

Political Analyst Stephen Golub talks more on Turkiye, Sweden tensions

Tensions between Turkiye and Sweden climaxed when the leader of a Danish far-right political party burned the Quran while protesting in front of Turkey’s embassy in Stockholm.

Tensions simmer between Turkiye and Sweden

Turkey has advanced its elections by almost a month. Turkey president Richard has announced that the elections will now be held on the 14th of May. The President's office released a video footage of Erdogan announcing the date.

Turkiye: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reschedules elections

Tension in Sweden and Turkey are worsening just hors after Turkey called off a visit by Sweden's Defence Minister to the country. They called it off over a planned demonstration by a right-wing extremist in Stockholm. Watch the video to know more.

Turkiye-Sweden Clash: Crisis deepens over Quran-burning by Paludan

Tensions escalate between Turkiye, Sweden; far-right politician burns Quran in Stockholm

In pics | Politician burns Quran during protests in Sweden draws condemnation from Turkiye

The citizens in the northwestern city of Bursa in Turkiye were left staggered after a lenticular cloud, resembling a UFO, appeared in the sky on Thursday morning. Seeing the UFO-resembling cloud, the people recorded it and clicked its pictures on their mobile phones.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pentagon-receives-several-hundreds-of-new-ufo-reports-no-evidence-of-alien-life-so-far-543908">Pentagon receives 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, no evidence of alien life so far</a>

The cloud remained in the sky for an hour and was seen from the Gursu, Osmangazi, Kestel, Nilufer and Yildirim districts of Bursa.&nbsp;

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Turkey's Bursa region witnessed an incredible cloud formation… <a href="https://t.co/wOWnRTETHp">pic.twitter.com/wOWnRTETHp</a>
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The website of the General Directorate of Meteorology shared information which stated that lens clouds were formed in the sky due to rough wind fluctuations and it is indicative of turbulence shifting downward in the sky.

WATCH | South Korea's missile test causes UFO scare

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A lot of citizens who were amazed by this natural phenomenon recorded the spectacular sight of the formation of a lens cloud on their mobile phones. The video and photos of clouds looking like UFOs were widely shared later on social media across the country.&nbsp;

The stationary cloud, which is formed due to an orographic event, appears in any geographic area where foehn winds are present.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The citizens in the northwestern city of Bursa in Turkiye were left staggered after a lenticular cloud, resembling a UFO, appeared in the sky on Thursday morning.

The citizens in the northwestern city of Bursa in Turkiye were left staggered after a lenticular cloud, resembling a UFO, appeared in the sky on Thursday morning. Seeing the UFO-resembling cloud, the people recorded it and clicked its pictures on their mobile phones. ALSO READ| Pentagon receives 'several hundreds' of new UFO reports, no evidence of alien life so far The cloud remained in the sky for an hour and was seen from the Gursu, Osmangazi, Kestel, Nilufer and Yildirim districts of Bursa. Turkey's Bursa region witnessed an incredible cloud formation… pic.twitter.com/wOWnRTETHp — Tansu YEĞEN (@TansuYegen) January 20, 2023 × The website of the General Directorate of Meteorology shared information which stated that lens clouds were formed in the sky due to rough wind fluctuations and it is indicative of turbulence shifting downward in the sky. WATCH | South Korea's missile test causes UFO scare A lot of citizens who were amazed by this natural phenomenon recorded the spectacular sight of the formation of a lens cloud on their mobile phones. The video and photos of clouds looking like UFOs were widely shared later on social media across the country. The stationary cloud, which is formed due to an orographic event, appears in any geographic area where foehn winds are present. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A UFO? Citizens astonished after lens cloud in shape of UFO appears in Turkiye's sky

The Turkish government on Saturday cancelled the upcoming visit of the Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson in the wake of right-wing extremist planning a demonstration in Stockholm.&nbsp;Turkiye expressed its anger over the permission granted to Rasmus Paludan, a Swedish-Danish politician who had sparked riots with his anti-Islamist actions across Sweden last year, to stage a demonstration in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.&nbsp;

A day after the Swedish ambassador was summoned over the issue, Turkiye announced that the Swedish defence minister's visit aimed at resolving objections raised by Ankara over Sweden's bid to join the NATO alliance was being cancelled.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-opens-investigation-into-erdogan-effigy-burning-incident-sweden-calls-it-an-act-of-sabotage-552479">Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden</a>

"At this point, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson's visit to Turkiye on January 27 has lost its significance and meaning, so we cancelled the visit," stated Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.

Paludan has claimed that he intends to "burn the Koran", which is a holy book of Islam while holding the protest on Saturday.

In April 2022, the announcement made by Paludan of burning the Koran sparked riots in Sweden.&nbsp;

'Not freedom but modern barbarism'

Turkiye's presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin on Saturday condemned the protests planned by Rasmus Paludan, calling it a "clear crime of hatred".&nbsp;

"Allowing this action despite all our warnings is encouraging hate crimes and Islamophobia," Kalin tweeted.

WATCH | Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden &amp; Finland's NATO bid

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"The attack on sacred values is not freedom but modern barbarism,” he added.&nbsp;

On Friday, Sweden's ambassador had been summoned by Turkiye to "condemn this provocative action which is clearly a hate crime — in strongest terms," stated a diplomatic source.&nbsp;

The ambassador was told by the officials of the foreign ministry that the permission granted by Sweden for staging the protest, under the pretext of protecting democratic values, was "unacceptable", added the source.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Turkish government on Saturday cancelled the upcoming visit of the Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson in the wake of right-wing extremist planning a demonstration in Stockholm.

The Turkish government on Saturday cancelled the upcoming visit of the Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson in the wake of right-wing extremist planning a demonstration in Stockholm. Turkiye expressed its anger over the permission granted to Rasmus Paludan, a Swedish-Danish politician who had sparked riots with his anti-Islamist actions across Sweden last year, to stage a demonstration in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. A day after the Swedish ambassador was summoned over the issue, Turkiye announced that the Swedish defence minister's visit aimed at resolving objections raised by Ankara over Sweden's bid to join the NATO alliance was being cancelled. ALSO READ | Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden "At this point, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson's visit to Turkiye on January 27 has lost its significance and meaning, so we cancelled the visit," stated Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar. Paludan has claimed that he intends to "burn the Koran", which is a holy book of Islam while holding the protest on Saturday. In April 2022, the announcement made by Paludan of burning the Koran sparked riots in Sweden. 'Not freedom but modern barbarism' Turkiye's presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin on Saturday condemned the protests planned by Rasmus Paludan, calling it a "clear crime of hatred". "Allowing this action despite all our warnings is encouraging hate crimes and Islamophobia," Kalin tweeted. WATCH | Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO bid "The attack on sacred values is not freedom but modern barbarism,” he added. On Friday, Sweden's ambassador had been summoned by Turkiye to "condemn this provocative action which is clearly a hate crime — in strongest terms," stated a diplomatic source. The ambassador was told by the officials of the foreign ministry that the permission granted by Sweden for staging the protest, under the pretext of protecting democratic values, was "unacceptable", added the source. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkiye cancels Swedish defence minister’s visit over protest planned by right-wing leader

Turkiye recently called off a visit by Sweden's defence minister over a planned demonstration by a right-wing extremist in Stockholm. Watch video to know more.

Turkiye cancels Swedish defence minister’s visit over protest permit

Iran's top diplomat says Tehran welcomes steps toward a reconciliation between Turkey and Syria and is ready to help move the efforts forward. Watch this report to know further.

Iran welcomes steps toward Turkiye-Syria reconciliation

The cargo ship MKK 1, travelling from Ukraine to Turkey, was grounded in Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait on Monday (January 16) and traffic in the strait was suspended but no damage was reported, shipping agents Tribeca said.

A cargo ship from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul's Bosphorus strait

Turkiye has urged Sweden to take steps against terrorism and handover of individuals it considers linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), considered a terror group by the EU, US and UK.

Turkiye demands countermeasures against Kurdish groups

A senior US lawmaker has opposed Biden administration's plans to sell USD 20 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Reuters said quoting sources. US State Department has sent an informal notice to Congress about the sale.

Turkiye, a member of NATO, has requested purchase of 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighter jets and about 80 modernisation kits for its current warplanes.

The Biden administration has said it supports the sale and has been in touch for months with Congress on an informal basis to win its approval. However, it has failed so far to secure a green light.

"As I have repeatedly made clear, I strongly oppose the Biden administration’s proposed sale of new F-16 aircraft to Turkey," Senator Bob Menendez, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.

The sale is still in the informal review process. However, US Congress is unlikely to approve the sale as long as Turkiye remains opposed to Finland and Sweden's NATO membership.

The two countries ended decades of neutrality last May and applied to join NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Turkey objected and accused the countries of harboring militants, including from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and demanded steps be taken.

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HEADING TO WASHINGTON

The notification, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu prepares to visit Washington on Wednesday for talks as the two NATO allies struggle with a host of disagreements including over Syria and weapons purchases.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-opens-investigation-into-erdogan-effigy-burning-incident-sweden-calls-it-an-act-of-sabotage-552479">Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden</a>

Following the informal review, a process during which committee leaders can ask questions or raise concerns about the sale, the administration can technically go ahead with a formal notification. But a senior U.S. official said he was "doubtful" the administration would be in a position to proceed unless Menendez dropped his objection.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A senior US lawmaker has opposed Biden administration's plans to sell USD 20 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Reuters said quoting sources. US State Department has sent an informal notice to Congress about the sale.

A senior US lawmaker has opposed Biden administration's plans to sell USD 20 billion worth of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Reuters said quoting sources. US State Department has sent an informal notice to Congress about the sale. Turkiye, a member of NATO, has requested purchase of 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighter jets and about 80 modernisation kits for its current warplanes. The Biden administration has said it supports the sale and has been in touch for months with Congress on an informal basis to win its approval. However, it has failed so far to secure a green light. "As I have repeatedly made clear, I strongly oppose the Biden administration’s proposed sale of new F-16 aircraft to Turkey," Senator Bob Menendez, Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement. The sale is still in the informal review process. However, US Congress is unlikely to approve the sale as long as Turkiye remains opposed to Finland and Sweden's NATO membership. The two countries ended decades of neutrality last May and applied to join NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but Turkey objected and accused the countries of harboring militants, including from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and demanded steps be taken. TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HEADING TO WASHINGTON The notification, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu prepares to visit Washington on Wednesday for talks as the two NATO allies struggle with a host of disagreements including over Syria and weapons purchases. Also Read | Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden Following the informal review, a process during which committee leaders can ask questions or raise concerns about the sale, the administration can technically go ahead with a formal notification. But a senior U.S. official said he was "doubtful" the administration would be in a position to proceed unless Menendez dropped his objection. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US lawmaker strongly objects to F-16 sale to Turkiye

Sweden is confident that Turkey will approve its application to join the NATO military alliance, but it will not meet all the conditions that Ankara has set for its support, Sweden’s prime minister has said.

Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday said that the demands made by Turkiye, which has kept the NATO membership bids of Finland and Sweden blocked for months, cannot be accepted.&nbsp;"Turkiye has confirmed that we have done what we said we would do, but it also says that it wants things that we can't, that we don't want to, give it," said PM Ulf Kristersson, while speaking at a security conference where NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg was also present.&nbsp;

"We are convinced that Turkiye will make a decision, we just don't know when," he stated, further saying that the decision will depend on Turkiye's internal politics along with "Sweden's capacity to show its seriousness".&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiye-russia-continue-discussion-on-gas-payment-deferral-says-energy-minister-550280">Turkiye, Russia continue discussion on gas payment deferral, says energy minister</a>

The military non-alignment of a decade was broken by Sweden and Finland as they applied for joining NATO, the US-led defence alliance after Russia invaded Ukraine in February.&nbsp;

However, their bids have been blocked by Turkiye which insists that both countries must join Ankara in its fight against banned Kurdish militants.&nbsp;

The major demands of Turkiye involve the participation of Sweden because the nation shares robust relations with the Kurdish diaspora.

WATCH|&nbsp;Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks

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The foreign minister of Finland is not in a hurry to join NATO and is ready to wait for Sweden to get the green light for joining the alliance.

"Finland is not in such a rush to join NATO that we can't wait until Sweden gets the green light," said Pekka Haavisto, while addressing reporters at Sunday's conference.&nbsp;

Turkiye had praised Sweden in late December for giving a response to its security concerns but emphasised that more efforts were needed to win Ankara's support for getting the stalled NATO membership bid sanctioned for Stockholm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday said that the demands made by Turkiye, which has kept the NATO membership bids of Finland and Sweden blocked for months, cannot be accepted.

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday said that the demands made by Turkiye, which has kept the NATO membership bids of Finland and Sweden blocked for months, cannot be accepted. "Turkiye has confirmed that we have done what we said we would do, but it also says that it wants things that we can't, that we don't want to, give it," said PM Ulf Kristersson, while speaking at a security conference where NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg was also present. "We are convinced that Turkiye will make a decision, we just don't know when," he stated, further saying that the decision will depend on Turkiye's internal politics along with "Sweden's capacity to show its seriousness". ALSO READ| Turkiye, Russia continue discussion on gas payment deferral, says energy minister The military non-alignment of a decade was broken by Sweden and Finland as they applied for joining NATO, the US-led defence alliance after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. However, their bids have been blocked by Turkiye which insists that both countries must join Ankara in its fight against banned Kurdish militants. The major demands of Turkiye involve the participation of Sweden because the nation shares robust relations with the Kurdish diaspora. WATCH| Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks The foreign minister of Finland is not in a hurry to join NATO and is ready to wait for Sweden to get the green light for joining the alliance. "Finland is not in such a rush to join NATO that we can't wait until Sweden gets the green light," said Pekka Haavisto, while addressing reporters at Sunday's conference. Turkiye had praised Sweden in late December for giving a response to its security concerns but emphasised that more efforts were needed to win Ankara's support for getting the stalled NATO membership bid sanctioned for Stockholm. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM

Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources&nbsp;Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas.&nbsp;"Negotiations with Russia on many issues are in progress. We are negotiating in a way that will be beneficial to us. We are talking about the deferral of payment, and many other issues. At the moment, we have not had a negative experience with Russia," the minister said, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.&nbsp;

The minister added, "At the moment, the most important issue for all countries is the security and security of supply."

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-dept-agrees-to-officially-change-turkey-to-turkiye-549957">US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’</a>

In October, Bloomberg had reported that Turkish oil and gas company Botas had appealed to the Russian government to defer a few pending payments for Russian gas till 2024.&nbsp;

The minister added that they are ready with the infrastructure for building a gas hub in Turkiye and a trading platform for European nations.&nbsp;

Donmez said he is confident that Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan will become key players in the gas trading platform being created in Turkiye.&nbsp;

He added that Ankara will be an important player in this market, charging a fee for carrying out the transactions at the gas trading platform.&nbsp;

He stated that they will adjust the price of gas in accordance with the&nbsp;Western Europe market's price.

The minister said that the two countries are also discussing the second nuclear power plant's construction in Turkiye's&nbsp;Black Sea province of Sinop.

WATCH|&nbsp;Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkiye towards an implosion

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"The project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop is new for us. At first, we talked with Japan, now we are negotiating with Russia. The conditions for building a nuclear power plant in Sinop may be different compared to the Akkuyu NPP currently under construction. Russia has proposals for a nuclear power plant in Sinop. If we do not agree, we will negotiate with another country," the minister stated.

In September last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talked about the nuclear power plant's construction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea province.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas.

Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas. "Negotiations with Russia on many issues are in progress. We are negotiating in a way that will be beneficial to us. We are talking about the deferral of payment, and many other issues. At the moment, we have not had a negative experience with Russia," the minister said, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS. The minister added, "At the moment, the most important issue for all countries is the security and security of supply." ALSO READ| US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’ In October, Bloomberg had reported that Turkish oil and gas company Botas had appealed to the Russian government to defer a few pending payments for Russian gas till 2024. The minister added that they are ready with the infrastructure for building a gas hub in Turkiye and a trading platform for European nations. Donmez said he is confident that Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan will become key players in the gas trading platform being created in Turkiye. He added that Ankara will be an important player in this market, charging a fee for carrying out the transactions at the gas trading platform. He stated that they will adjust the price of gas in accordance with the Western Europe market's price. The minister said that the two countries are also discussing the second nuclear power plant's construction in Turkiye's Black Sea province of Sinop. WATCH| Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkiye towards an implosion "The project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop is new for us. At first, we talked with Japan, now we are negotiating with Russia. The conditions for building a nuclear power plant in Sinop may be different compared to the Akkuyu NPP currently under construction. Russia has proposals for a nuclear power plant in Sinop. If we do not agree, we will negotiate with another country," the minister stated. In September last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talked about the nuclear power plant's construction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea province. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye, Russia continue discussion on gas payment deferral, says energy minister

Agreeing to the Turkish government's request, the US State Department on Thursday has agreed to stop using the word 'Turkey' and will instead call the Eurasian country "Turkiye".&nbsp;US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "The Turkish embassy did request that we use this spelling in our communications."&nbsp;

He added, "The department will use the spelling that you saw today in most of our formal diplomatic and bilateral contexts, including in public communications."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-russia-defence-ministers-hold-constructive-talks-in-moscow-547648">Also read |&nbsp;Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow</a>

This was followed by an announcement of joint action between the US and Turkiye against the financers of the Islamic Group, the State Department wrote, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Price said that since "Turkey" is more widely understood by Americans, its use is not prohibited.&nbsp;

The call for changing the name from "Turkey to Turkiye" came in 2021, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the use of the latter in languages even in Latin script.&nbsp;

The United States has been using the term since August 2022 on a call between the NATO allies' defence chiefs and the State Department has occasionally used social media.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-changed-their-names-as-turkey-becomes-turkiye-484695">Also read |&nbsp;Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’</a>

Ever since the change in name, people worldwide have created memes, cartoons and jokes referring to the bird. Reacting to these, Turks have been upset believing them to be named because the British thought the species that came from the east.&nbsp;

A Turkish public broadcaster TRT World recently noted that "Turkey" can also be slang for a "stupid person."

Among other English-speaking countries, embassy websites in Australia, Ankara, India and New Zealand use Turkiye, while the UK, Irish and South African embassies use Turkey. However, as of Thursday, the US embassy website was inconsistent in the use of the country's spelling. and both were spotted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Agreeing to the Turkish government's request, the US State Department on Thursday has agreed to stop using the word 'Turkey' and will instead call the Eurasian country "Turkiye".

Agreeing to the Turkish government's request, the US State Department on Thursday has agreed to stop using the word 'Turkey' and will instead call the Eurasian country "Turkiye". US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "The Turkish embassy did request that we use this spelling in our communications." He added, "The department will use the spelling that you saw today in most of our formal diplomatic and bilateral contexts, including in public communications." Also read | Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow This was followed by an announcement of joint action between the US and Turkiye against the financers of the Islamic Group, the State Department wrote, AFP reported. Price said that since "Turkey" is more widely understood by Americans, its use is not prohibited. The call for changing the name from "Turkey to Turkiye" came in 2021, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the use of the latter in languages even in Latin script. The United States has been using the term since August 2022 on a call between the NATO allies' defence chiefs and the State Department has occasionally used social media. Also read | Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’ Ever since the change in name, people worldwide have created memes, cartoons and jokes referring to the bird. Reacting to these, Turks have been upset believing them to be named because the British thought the species that came from the east. A Turkish public broadcaster TRT World recently noted that "Turkey" can also be slang for a "stupid person." Among other English-speaking countries, embassy websites in Australia, Ankara, India and New Zealand use Turkiye, while the UK, Irish and South African embassies use Turkey. However, as of Thursday, the US embassy website was inconsistent in the use of the country's spelling. and both were spotted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between&nbsp;Turkish and Syrian 
ministers&nbsp;since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.&nbsp;Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. 
 
The talks assume importance as both&nbsp;Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels.

Watch |&nbsp;Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011

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As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hit-by-massive-russian-strike-involving-more-than-100-missiles-547591">Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv</a>

This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria.

As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels.

This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. The talks assume importance as both Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels. Watch | Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011 As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive". Also read | Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria. As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels. This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow

The defence ministers of Russia, Turkiye and Syria met in Moscow on Wednesday, the first such talks since war broke out in Syria. It was also the first meeting between Turkish and Syrian defence ministers since the start of the war in 2011.

Defence Minister of Russia, Turkiye and Syria meets for talk after a decade

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be on a three-day visit to Cyprus from Thursday, during which he will hold talks with his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides as both sides firm up ties on a range of issues from trade to connectivity. This is the first ever visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Cyprus in more than a decade, the last being of Pranab Mukherjee in May 2007.

The visit comes in a year when India, Cyprus mark 60 years of diplomatic ties and will see discussions on "economic cooperation of the two countries, EU-India relations.." and "Turkey's provocative actions against Cyprus" according to a release by Cyprus foreign ministry. Historically, Turkiye and Cyprus relationship remains strained over Ankara's backing of Northern Cyprus as a separate state and other historical issues. Last year, India was quick to support Cyprus after Turkiye was seen violating UNSC resolutions by opening the ghost town of Varosha.

Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the Mediterranean island by Turkey. &nbsp;The invasion led to the division of the country into two-- Republic of Cyprus and the northern--Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognized only by Ankara

Both the foreign ministers will hold talks on Thursday and sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense and military cooperation and a pact to include Cyprus into the India Headquartered International Solar Alliance. They will also sign a Declaration of Intent to start negotiations on a pact on immigration and mobility. Pact on mobility allows easier movement of people and India has signed many such pact including with Germany earlier this month.

This will be the 3rd meeting between Minister Jaishankar and his counterpart minister Ioannis. Both earlier met on the sidelines of CHOGM 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda in June this year and at the sidelines of 77th UNGA in New York in September. Connectivity will be another key focus even as Cyprus readout pointed that "prospect of India's participation in a regional mechanism with countries of the region" will be discussed. Remember, Plans afoot for connectivity from Mediterranean to India via Gulf.

The two Ministers will address the Cyprus-India business forum that will take place in Limassol. EAM's other engagements include an interaction with the Indian Diaspora and call on with President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou.&nbsp;Cyprus supports India on crucial issues including India’s bid for UNSC, the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, the NSG and the IAEA. The Mediterranean country backed India after Pokhran-II tests in 1998, removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be on a three-day visit to Cyprus from Thursday, during which he will hold talks with his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides as both sides firm up ties on a range of issues from trade to connectivity.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be on a three-day visit to Cyprus from Thursday, during which he will hold talks with his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides as both sides firm up ties on a range of issues from trade to connectivity. This is the first ever visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Cyprus in more than a decade, the last being of Pranab Mukherjee in May 2007. The visit comes in a year when India, Cyprus mark 60 years of diplomatic ties and will see discussions on "economic cooperation of the two countries, EU-India relations.." and "Turkey's provocative actions against Cyprus" according to a release by Cyprus foreign ministry. Historically, Turkiye and Cyprus relationship remains strained over Ankara's backing of Northern Cyprus as a separate state and other historical issues. Last year, India was quick to support Cyprus after Turkiye was seen violating UNSC resolutions by opening the ghost town of Varosha. Varosha was once a popular resort town but was abandoned after the 1974 invasion of the Mediterranean island by Turkey. The invasion led to the division of the country into two-- Republic of Cyprus and the northern--Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognized only by Ankara Both the foreign ministers will hold talks on Thursday and sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense and military cooperation and a pact to include Cyprus into the India Headquartered International Solar Alliance. They will also sign a Declaration of Intent to start negotiations on a pact on immigration and mobility. Pact on mobility allows easier movement of people and India has signed many such pact including with Germany earlier this month. This will be the 3rd meeting between Minister Jaishankar and his counterpart minister Ioannis. Both earlier met on the sidelines of CHOGM 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda in June this year and at the sidelines of 77th UNGA in New York in September. Connectivity will be another key focus even as Cyprus readout pointed that "prospect of India's participation in a regional mechanism with countries of the region" will be discussed. Remember, Plans afoot for connectivity from Mediterranean to India via Gulf. The two Ministers will address the Cyprus-India business forum that will take place in Limassol. EAM's other engagements include an interaction with the Indian Diaspora and call on with President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou. Cyprus supports India on crucial issues including India’s bid for UNSC, the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, the NSG and the IAEA. The Mediterranean country backed India after Pokhran-II tests in 1998, removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Türkiye, ISA & military MoU on agenda during India, Cyprus Foreign Minister talks

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan received the credentials of Israel's new ambassador on Tuesday afternoon (December 27), marking another turning point in normalising ties between two countries after four-year-long deterioration in relations.

Turkiye welcomes Israel’s ambassador after four years of diplomatic strain

Let's take a look at the stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: Scientists might have discovered the real tomb of Santa Claus in Turkiye

Turkiye has successfully testified its first Hypersonic missile. The air-to-surface missile was fired from a drone from an altitude of around seven kilometers. The head of Turkey's Bakario have shared the information on Twitter.

Turkiye: TRG-230-IHA hypersonic missile developed by Ankara based Roketsan

The incumbent President Tayyip Erdogan has dominated the Turkish politics for the last two decades but what is interesting is that the Turkish president has hinted at the possibility of him leaving the race for the top post after the 2023 elections.

Turkiye: President Erdogan hints at retirement after 2023, says 'will hand over flag to youth'

After ruling the Turkiye for 20 years, its President Tayyip Erdogan hints at making 2023 his final run for top chair.

The West Asia Post: Turkiye leader announces retirement?

The Pentagon has said that US defense secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Turkish counterpart and expressed opposition to Turkiye launching a new operation in Syria.

Washington warns against Syrian incursion, Pentagon chief cautions Turkiye on strikes

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