The Turkey-U.S. Syria Working Group meeting held on May 20, 2025 in Washington was a diplomatic dialogue addressing mechanisms for lifting sanctions against Syria and regional security issues between the two countries.
Location Time and Participants
The meeting took place on May 20, 2025 in Washington DC. The Turkish delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nuh Yılmaz and the U.S. delegation by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The discussions were conducted in an interagency format with participation from various public institutions of both countries. Turkey’s Ambassador to Washington Sedat Önal and the United States’ Ambassador to Ankara Thomas Joseph Barrack also attended the meeting.
Agenda Items and Discussed Issues
Process for Lifting U.S. Sanctions
One of the main agenda items was the discussion of timelines and implementation mechanisms for lifting economic sanctions against Syria as previously announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. During the talks assessments were made regarding the advancement of this process in accordance with President Trump’s directives.
Syria’s Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. Joint statements emphasized the importance of Syria becoming a stable country at peace with its region and not providing sanctuary to terrorist organizations.
Combating Daesh and Other Terrorist Organizations
The meeting addressed Turkey’s regional counterterrorism initiatives and the support provided to the Syrian government. Opportunities for joint cooperation in combating all terrorist organizations including Daesh were evaluated.
Northeastern Syria and Camps
The security and humanitarian cooperation framework regarding refugee camps in northeastern Syria was discussed and information was exchanged on the ongoing process concerning the positioning of U.S. military forces in Syria.
Joint Statement and Strategic Vision
Following the meeting Türkiye and the United States issued a joint statement. The statement noted that both parties share a vision of “a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighboring regions.” It further stated that with Syria’s return to stability millions of displaced persons will be able to return to their homes.
In a separate statement by the U.S. Department of State it was indicated that a “new phase of partnership” had been launched between the two countries and their commitment to deepen cooperation in the fields of peace trade and security was confirmed.
Background of the Meeting
The talks in Washington were arranged immediately after the summit held in Saudi Arabia during the first half of May 2025 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syria’s interim State President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This summit marked the first direct leader-level contact between the United States and Syria in 25 years. One day before the summit Trump announced in Riyadh at an investment forum that sanctions against Syria would be lifted.
