Regional News Archives - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye https://tr.usembassy.gov/category/regional-news/ Sat, 24 May 2025 18:01:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Syria Envoy Thomas Barrack’s Statement on Meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and FM Asaad al-Shaibani https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-ambassador-to-turkiye-and-syria-envoy-thomas-barracks-statement-on-meeting-with-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-and-fm-asaad-al-shaibani/ Sat, 24 May 2025 17:02:22 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25346

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Syria Envoy Thomas Barrack's Statement on Meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and FM Asaad al-Shaibani

Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack

May 24, 2025

Today, I met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani in Istanbul to implement President Trump’s bold decision to provide a path for peace and prosperity in Syria. President al-Sharaa praised America’s fast action on lifting sanctions, welcoming Secretary Rubio’s landmark announcement yesterday waiving Caesar Act sanctions for 180 days and the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement of General License 25 and other sanctions relief measures. I reiterated the United States’ support for the Syrian people after so many years of conflict and violence and reiterated Secretary Rubio’s position that if we had not acted so promptly and deliberately to remove sanctions our partners in the region would not be able to provide donor dollars, supplies, and energy to relieve the plight and trauma of the traumatized Syrian population. President Trump’s goal is to enable the new government to create the conditions for the Syrian people to not only survive but thrive.

I stressed the cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity of our primary objective – the enduring defeat of ISIS – and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future. I also commended President al-Sharaa on taking meaningful steps towards enacting President Trump’s points on foreign terrorist fighters, counter-ISIS measures, relations with Israel, and camps and detention centers in NE Syria. The Syrian side and I affirmed our commitment to continuing these important conversations and to working together to develop private sector investment in Syria to rebuild the economy, including through investment by regional and global partners such as Türkiye, the Gulf, Europe, and the United States.

This meeting was historic, putting the issue of sanctions – as President Trump has indicated – far behind us, and resulting in joint commitment of both our countries to drive forward, quickly, with investment, development, and worldwide branding of a new, welcoming Syria without sanctions.

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Secretary Rubio’s Statement on Providing Sanctions Relief for the Syrian People https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-rubio-statement-providing-sanctions-relief-for-the-syrian-people/ Sat, 24 May 2025 06:59:43 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25338

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Press Statement: Providing Sanctions Relief for the Syrian People

In accordance with the President’s promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I have issued a 180-day waiver of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions to ensure sanctions do not impede the ability of our partners to make stability-driving investments, and advance Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. These waivers will facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.

In addition, the Department of the Treasury issued Syria General License (GL) 25 to authorize transactions by U.S. persons previously prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria. The GL will allow for new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President’s America First strategy. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is providing exceptive relief to permit U.S. financial institutions to maintain correspondent accounts for the Commercial Bank of Syria.

Today’s actions represent the first step in delivering on the President’s vision of a new relationship between Syria and the United States. President Trump is providing the Syrian government with the chance to promote peace and stability, both within Syria and in Syria’s relations with its neighbors. The President has made clear his expectation that relief will be followed by prompt action by the Syrian government on important policy priorities.

The sanctions waiver is issued pursuant to section 7432(b)(1) of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 8791 note). More information on the Syria sanctions waiver can be found here. For GL25, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) action can be found here .

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack: Implementing President Trump’s Vision for a Prosperous, Stable Syria  https://tr.usembassy.gov/u-s-ambassador-to-turkiye-and-special-envoy-for-syria-thomas-barrack/ Fri, 23 May 2025 14:53:11 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=25311

President Trump has outlined his clear vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.

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U.S. Ambassador to Türkİye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack

Implementing President Trump’s Vision for a Prosperous, Stable Syria

President Trump has outlined his clear vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.  On May 13, the President committed to lifting the United States’ crippling sanctions against Syria to enable the new government to stabilize the country.  Secretary Rubio now has the responsibility of executing the President’s vision and has said “the lifting of the sanctions opens up incredible opportunities around the region for all kinds of peace and security and the end of conflicts and wars.” As President Trump’s representative in Türkiye, I am proud to assume the role of the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and support Secretary Rubio in the realization of the President’s vision.

The cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of ISIS — and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future. In this way, we, together with regional partners including Turkiye and the Gulf, are enabling the Syrian government to restore peace, security, and the hope of prosperity. In the words of the President, we will work together, and we will succeed together.

 

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Agreement between the Syrian Interim Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces https://tr.usembassy.gov/agreement-between-the-syrian-interim-authorities-and-the-syrian-democratic-forces/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:34:31 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24755 The post Agreement between the Syrian Interim Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Agreement between the Syrian Interim Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

March 11, 2025

The United States welcomes the recently announced agreement between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the northeast into a unified Syria.  The United States reaffirms its support for a political transition that demonstrates credible, non-sectarian governance as the best path to avoid further conflict. We will continue to watch the decisions made by the interim authorities, noting with concern the recent deadly violence against minorities.

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Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia https://tr.usembassy.gov/under-secretary-basss-travel-to-turkiye-and-saudi-arabia/ Sat, 11 Jan 2025 06:44:41 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24438 The post Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Under Secretary Bass’s Travel to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Under Secretary of State John Bass traveled to Ankara, Türkiye January 9-10. In Ankara, Under Secretary Bass met with senior Turkish government officials to discuss Syria and emphasized the importance of a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.  He also participated in meetings on the importance of regional stability, preventing Syria from being used as a base for terrorism, and ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Under Secretary Bass will then travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 11-13, to attend a Saudi-hosted multilateral meeting of senior government officials from the region and global partners to coordinate international support for the Syrian people.  While in Riyadh, the Under Secretary will also hold bilateral meetings with key partners on advancing shared regional and global priorities.

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-call-with-turkish-foreign-minister-fidan-28122024/ Sat, 28 Dec 2024 17:06:21 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24371

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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan

Readout

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the latest developments in Syria.  Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government.  The Secretary and FM Fidan also discussed the shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security of Türkiye and Syria.

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Joint Statement on Syria https://tr.usembassy.gov/joint-statement-on-syria/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:40:08 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24268 The post Joint Statement on Syria appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Joint Statement on Syria

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

December 14, 2024

The text of the following statement was released by the governments of the United States of America, the Arab Contact Group on Syria, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the UN Special Envoy for Syria on the margins of the Aqaba Joint Contact Group ministerial meeting on Syria.

Begin Text.

The Arab Contact group on Syria met with Ministers and Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, United States of America, the European Union and the UN Special Envoy for Syria, to discuss recent developments in Syria.

The participants:

Affirmed the full support to the Syrian people at this critical point in their history to build a more hopeful, secure and peaceful future.

Expressed commitment to principles that they believe are in the best interests of the Syrian people, the region, and the world in this critical period.  They believe the transitional political process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned; produce an inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government formed through a transparent process based on the principles of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2254; emphasize their support for the UN Special Envoy mandate; and request the UN Secretary General to scale up the UN’s presence on the ground.

Affirmed the full support for Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Stressed on the respect for human rights, including for women and minorities; preserve state institutions that serve the interests of, and provide critical services to, the Syrian people; exist in harmony with its neighbors; provide unfettered access for humanitarian aid and freedom of movement for IDPs and returnees; protect all foreign diplomatic facilities and personnel; secure and safely destroy chemical weapons stockpiles; and facilitate access to regime prisons and facilities for accountability and to determine the fate of missing Syrians and foreign nationals.

 

Stressed that the period ahead will serve as a critical test of these above-mentioned principles.  Further, they emphasized the importance of adhering to these principles which will be fundamental in determining their approach going forward.

Underscored that Syria finally has the chance to end decades of isolation. They are committed to supporting and working with the Syrian people as they embark on this unprecedented transition.

Stressed the importance of combating terrorism and extremism, including preventing the reemergence of all terrorist groups. Further, demanded that Syrian territory does not pose a threat to any country, or a shelter to terrorists.

Affirmed their demand to all parties to cease hostilities in Syria.

Demanded respect of the sovereignty of Syria and its unity, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter by all.


End Text.

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-meeting-with-turkish-foreign-minister-fidan-12132024/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:23:56 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24249

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the latest developments in Syria. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed U.S. support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition to an accountable and inclusive government. He reiterated calls for all actors in Syria to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Syrians, including members of minority groups, and to prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism. Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of U.S.-Turkish cooperation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS mission in Syria.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the latest developments in efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages. Secretary Blinken underscored the urgency of reaching an agreement.

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan  https://tr.usembassy.gov/secretary-blinkens-meeting-with-turkish-president-erdogan-2/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 21:17:31 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24228 The post Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan  appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan

December 12, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Erdoğan to discuss the latest developments in Syria. Secretary Blinken discussed strong U.S.-Turkish regional cooperation and our shared interest in supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition to an accountable and inclusive government. He reiterated the importance of all actors in Syria respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, and taking all feasible steps to protect civilians, including members of minority groups. Secretary Blinken noted the importance of facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need and emphasized that displaced Syrians will continue to need protection. He emphasized the need to ensure the coalition to defeat ISIS can continue to execute its critical mission. He also discussed the urgent need to conclude a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and surges humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian civilians.

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The United States Welcomes the Ankara Declaration by Ethiopia and Somalia https://tr.usembassy.gov/the-united-states-welcomes-the-ankara-declaration-by-ethiopia-and-somalia/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 19:13:36 +0000 https://tr.usembassy.gov/?p=24218 The post The United States Welcomes the Ankara Declaration by Ethiopia and Somalia appeared first on U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Türkiye.

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The United States Welcomes the Ankara Declaration by Ethiopia and Somalia

December 12, 2024

The United States welcomes the December 11 Declaration between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reaffirming each country’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity and advancing cooperation on shared interests. We appreciate the leadership of Türkiye in facilitating this Declaration. We look forward to technical negotiations to permit Ethiopia to enjoy reliable, secure, and sustainable access to the sea for mutual economic benefit while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Ongoing dialogue and engagement are essential for a stable and prosperous future for Ethiopia and Somalia. We encourage Ethiopia and Somalia to intensify their cooperation on mutual security interests, particularly the fight against al-Shabaab, and look forward to continuing our close bilateral cooperation with both nations.

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