US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Barrack: Turkey has been a very good friend to America

US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack is currently holding meetings in New York City.

Referring to the meeting held with the Iranian side yesterday, Barrack said, "Every step taken for dialogue, every opportunity evaluated, is a step in the right direction.

I think (US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East) Steve Witkoff is also encouraged by this.

We are holding more meetings, and this is the right thing to do for all of us.

Turkey has played a very important role in this process. I have very good relationships with all parties, and I understand the culture well. Therefore, we are hopeful. This is a process; it is not an issue that will be resolved in one go."

When asked about his views on an agreement that would end the war with Iran, Barrack said, "I am optimistic because we have to be optimistic. We have no other choice. I think there are cultural differences. I think both sides are taking a brave stance from their own perspectives. What we need to do now is to find common ground between the parties. However, I think everyone is ready. The region is ready, America is ready. I hope the Iranian side is ready too," he stated.

"Turkey has been a very good friend to America"

Referring to the brief conversation he had with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the dinner hosted by Trump in honor of heads of state last night, Barrack said, "Yes, it is truly wonderful. The two leaders have great respect for each other. But beyond that, there is a very good rapport between them. Despite cultural differences, they are very similar to each other. As a humble person working on the ground between the two countries, this makes my job quite easy. Because they communicate with each other very well and effectively. Turkey has been a very good friend to America. In such difficult times, when tensions are high, you realize who your true friends are," he said.