ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkey's President RecepTayyip Erdogan expressed support for Iraq in the fight against terrorism after a meeting with Iraqi President Foad Masoum in Ankara on Wednesday.

In a joint press conference held at Aksaray presidential palace, Erdogan said the meeting focused on Baghdad-Ankara relations and the regional war against the extremist group known as the Islamic State, or ISIS.

“ISIS behavior is not acceptable and we will maintain our assistance for Iraq,” said Erdogan. "Not only in Iraq, we will fight the terror and we believe ISIS must be eliminated in Iraq and Syria and for that we need a strong strategy.”

Erdogan said economic ties between the neighboring countries remained tight, estimating that bilateral trade now stands at $11 billion per year and vowing to increase the amount.

Masoum applauded Turkey for the aid it has provided Iraq, citing humanitarian and military assistance.

“A number of our forces have been receiving military training in Turkey,” said Masoum.

Masum arrived in Ankara on Tuesday. He is scheduled to take part in a peace conference in Istanbul on Friday along with 21 other world presidents

Rudaw