Ankara, Washington reaffirm joint commitment to stable and terror-free Syria

Türkiye and the United States have reaffirmed their shared vision for Syria, emphasising the goal of a country that is capable of ensuring internal security, maintaining regional stability, and fostering good neighbourly relations.

This stance was outlined in a joint statement released following the latest session of the Turkish-American Working Group on Syria, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

According to the document, the US hosted the Turkish delegation in Washington for a new round of talks within the framework of their bilateral working group on Syria. The interagency delegations were led respectively by Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

The meeting produced several key outcomes:

• Support for inclusive governance in Syria: Both countries voiced their readiness to support the Syrian people in establishing an inclusive government. The statement underlined the importance of ensuring that the process remains Syrian-led.

• Türkiye calls for lifting sanctions: During the discussions, the Turkish side called for the removal of international sanctions imposed on Syria. Ankara argued that the restrictions are obstructing the country’s reconstruction and risk destabilising the already fragile situation.

• Agreement on Joint Anti-Terror Operations Centre: Washington and Ankara agreed to create a joint operations centre aimed at coordinating efforts to combat ISIS and other terrorist groups. Both sides acknowledged the ongoing threat these groups pose to regional security.

• Continued Turkish support and potential military presence: Türkiye reiterated its commitment to supporting Syria under existing bilateral agreements. This includes training and equipping a new Syrian army and the potential establishment of Turkish military bases in central Syria.

• Discussion on camp cooperation and US military realignment: The two delegations also explored the possibility of future cooperation regarding camps located in northeastern Syria. The US side provided an update on the ongoing reorganisation of American military forces deployed in the country.

The two countries plan to hold the next session of the working group in June, where discussions will continue on facilitating Syria’s political transition and advancing reconstruction efforts.

By Tamilla Hasanova