The Secretary’s Special Representative for Syria Engagement, Ambassador James Jeffrey, will travel to Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, October 15-23, for discussions with allies and partners about Syria.

In Turkey, Ambassador Jeffrey will meet with Turkish Government officials, Syrian opposition leaders, and Syrian civil society groups and will reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to achieving a political solution to the conflict in line with UN Security Resolution 2254 that produces a secure, stable, and pluralistic Syria, as well as a Syria that ceases being a state sponsor of terrorism, does not threaten its neighbors, and removes all Iranian-led and Iranian proxy militias.

In Qatar and Saudi Arabia, he will reiterate the U.S. position that any military offensive in Idlib would be a reckless escalation of the conflict in Syria and the region, risk the lives of Syrian civilians, and destroy civilian infrastructure.

Throughout his trip, Ambassador Jeffrey will seek to meet representatives of the Syrian people and reiterate to them our full support for U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, and UN Special Envoy de Mistura’s efforts to stand up the Syrian Constitutional Committee as quickly as possible.

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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

On October 15, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Doug Silliman, met in Erbil with Kurdistan Regional Government’s Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. The Deputy Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister on the recent parliamentary election in the IKR and for their continued leadership on the D-ISIS campaign.

Deputy Secretary Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ support for the IKR as part of a unified Iraq and called for continued engagement between Erbil and Baghdad on key issues, including security and economic cooperation.

Finally, the Deputy Secretary commended recent progress and encouraged continued advancement by all Iraqi leaders in forming a new and sovereign government pursuant to the timeline established in the Iraqi constitution.

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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

On October 14, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met in Baghdad with newly elected President of Iraq, Dr. Barhim Salih. The Deputy Secretary congratulated newly elected President Salih on his election and emphasized the importance of quickly forming a government in a manner that is responsive to the needs of all Iraqis.

Deputy Secretary Sullivan reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the growth of bilateral economic ties and expanding U.S. investment in Iraq and underscored our enduring support for a strong, stable, sovereign, and prosperous Iraq.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

On October 14, Deputy Secretary Sullivan met in Baghdad with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Deputy Secretary Sullivan congratulated Prime Minister Abadi and all Iraqis on their commitment to the democratic process and their formation of a new government. The Deputy Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for his steadfast leadership in the battle against ISIS and reiterated the United States’ commitment to continued security, political, and economic cooperation with Iraq within the framework of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

The meeting included a discussion with visiting leadership from the General Electric Company on the importance of expanding Iraq’s economic ties and increasing foreign investment to facilitate reconstruction, specifically by harnessing the innovative capabilities of U.S. companies.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

On October 14, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Doug Silliman and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Near Eastern Affairs Andrew Peek, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Adil Abd al-Mahdi, Prime Minister-designate.

The Deputy Secretary congratulated Prime Minister-Designate Mahdi on his election, and together they committed to continue to build a strong and multi-dimensional relationship. The Deputy Secretary encouraged Prime Minister-designate Mahdi to continue with government formation quickly and in a manner that is responsive to the needs of all Iraqis.

The Deputy Secretary of State reaffirmed U.S. commitment to strengthen our ties with the people of this important country through our trade relationship, through cultural exchange, and through government-to-government relations.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.