Türkiye–U.S. to Hold Syria Working Group Talks on May 20 in Washington

Türkiye and the United States will convene in Washington on May 20 for a high-level working group meeting on Syria, aiming to synchronize their strategies in the war-torn country and deepen bilateral cooperation, according to diplomatic sources.

The strategic dialogue will be co-chaired by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz and U.S. counterpart Christopher Landau, and will cover critical political and security issues, most notably the fight against ISIL and other terror organizations active in Syria.

Security, Sanctions, and Stabilization on the Agenda

The meeting is set to address regional security, efforts to ensure stability, and potential coordination in counterterrorism operations. Turkish representatives are expected to underscore Ankara’s role in combating ISIL, along with its ongoing regional operations, and raise concerns over terrorist networks along Türkiye’s southern border.

Cooperation on northeastern Syria camps, where security and humanitarian challenges remain, will also be reviewed. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are likely to provide updates on the restructuring of American military units in Syria.

Sanctions and Strategic Coordination

The talks come amid new geopolitical shifts, especially following President Donald Trump’s recent engagement with Syrian leaders and his announcement to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria. The working group will examine a roadmap and timeline for how this might unfold, and what impact it could have on broader regional dynamics.

Yılmaz is expected to emphasize Türkiye’s call for comprehensive coordination with Washington across political, economic, and security dimensions.

Türkiye Reiterates Opposition to YPG

Ankara will reiterate its demand for the removal of all terrorist elements from Syria, emphasizing the necessity of preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity. One of Türkiye’s core concerns remains Washington’s continued support for the YPG, which Ankara sees as the Syrian extension of the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by both Türkiye and the U.S.

“This support jeopardizes long-term regional stability,” Turkish officials are expected to warn.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Follow our English language YouTube videos @ REAL TURKEY: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg
Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/