Critical Turkey-US Syria summit in Washington

According to information obtained from diplomatic sources, the next meeting of the Syria Working Group established between Turkey and the US will be held in Washington on May 20, 2025.

The meeting, which will be co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz and senior US State Department representative Christopher Landau, will be held in an inter-institutional format.

At the meeting, the priorities of Ankara and Washington in their Syria policies will be discussed in detail. The two sides aim to evaluate opportunities for joint cooperation toward ensuring lasting security and stability in Syria.

ISIS AND COUNTER-TERRORISM ON THE AGENDA

One of the most important topics of the meeting will be the fight against ISIS and other terrorist organizations. It is expected that Turkey's recent activities against ISIS within Syria and the cooperation mechanisms it has developed directly or indirectly with the regime in this context will also be put on the table.

In this framework, Turkey will convey to the US side its contribution to counter-terrorism through the initiatives it leads at the regional level. Furthermore, possibilities for increasing the operational coordination of the two countries on the ground will also be evaluated.

CAMPS IN NORTHERN SYRIA AND MILITARY PRESENCE

During the talks, it is planned to discuss in detail the possibilities for potential cooperation, specifically regarding the camps located in northeastern Syria. Topics such as humanitarian security, the management of the camps, and the sharing of international responsibilities are expected to be brought to the agenda.

The US side is expected to provide information to Turkey regarding the consolidation process of its military units in Syria. An exchange of information will take place between the parties regarding the work the US is conducting to restructure its military presence on the ground and the steps to be taken in this framework.

SANCTIONS AND POLITICAL FUTURE ON THE TABLE

Another notable topic of the meeting will be the sanctions the US imposes on Syria. The fact that the talks will take place shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his plan to lift Syria sanctions gives the meeting particular importance.

In this context, it is expected that the issues of what kind of schedule Washington will follow in its sanctions policy toward Syria and which criteria the process will be shaped by will be addressed.

News Source: İHA