U.S. Vice President Joe Biden pledged that the his country would provide assistance to Turkey in its investigation into “the illegal and violent coup attempt”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met on the sidelines of ongoing U.N. General Assembly meetings, on Wednesday.

The White House said in a statement that Biden “reiterated his unshakeable support for Turkish democracy and praised the Turkish people’s commitment to democratic institutions and the rule of law.”

Biden also pledged that the United States would provide assistance to Turkey in its investigation into “the illegal and violent coup attempt” there this summer, according to the statement.

Biden visited Turkey in August amid tensions between Washington and Ankara regarding the extradition of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, who is accused of masterminding the failed coup attempt of July 15. Turkey has asked the U.S. to hand over Gülen.

Nafiz Albayrak / New York – DHA