The U.S.-Turkey Working Group on Syria affirmed the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity, emphasizing Washington and Ankara's commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination regarding Syria's stability and security.

This came in a joint statement issued by both governments following the Working Group's meeting at the U.S. State Department in Washington on Tuesday evening. The meeting was co-chaired by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz, with the participation of both countries' ambassadors.

The statement noted that the two delegations "discussed shared priorities in Syria, including sanctions relief in accordance with U.S. President Donald Trump's directives and counterterrorism efforts in all its forms and manifestations."

It added that the U.S. and Turkey share a vision for a "stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors, which would allow millions of displaced Syrians to return home."

The statement underscored the importance of "maintaining Syria's territorial integrity," clarifying that "a stable, unified Syria would not provide safe haven for terrorist groups and would support regional security and prosperity."

Bilateral Meeting Highlights
Prior to the Working Group session, the two deputy foreign ministers held bilateral talks at the State Department.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Deputy Secretary Landau reaffirmed the "resilience" of U.S.-Turkey relations during his meeting with Yılmaz, noting their entry into a "new era" of partnership and cooperation across a wide range of peace and trade issues.