US officials have acknowledged that “difficult conversations” will be had with Turkey during the trip to the Middle East.
Tensions have risen between Washington and Ankara in recent months with Turkey frustrated at Trump’s forces providing support to Kurdish fighters in the north of Syria.
The US ally considers the Kurdish forces as terrorists and fear that the group may gain autonomy of Syrian land bordering Turkey with American help.
Last week Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag threatened to attack US special forces who were working with the Kurds.
He warned anyone fighting alongside the Kurds “is our target”.
He added that “there is no chance that we will make a distinction at this point” between the US and Kurdish fighters.”
He also accused the American troops of wearing “terrorists’ clothes”.
Since World War Two the pair have supported each other in their fight against terrorism.
The US and Turkey also worked together in a bid to stop the Assad government in Syria.
Should US soldiers be hit by Turkish forces there is a danger America may retaliate and cause the outbreak of a new war between the two historic allies.
A US State Department official has confirmed that Turkey’s actions in Syria will be raised as part of “difficult conversations” during Mr Tillerson’s visit.
He said: “Look it’s difficult.
“The rhetoric is hot.
“The Turks are angry, and this is a difficult time to do business but it’s our belief that there are still some very fundamental underlying shared interests.”
In January an expert in Foreign policy, Ian Lesser, warned that the developing war of words between Turkey and the US could lead to physical conflict.
He said: “The potential for a much more serious political disagreement — even a clash along the border — is there, given the presence of American trainers in the region.
“Leadership on both sides need to be careful of the language they use because this can easily inflame an already potentially explosive situation.”
Mr Tillerson will depart for a five day trip of the Middle East tomorrow.
As well as Turkey he his due to visit Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait.