U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spent the second day of his Middle East tour in Türkiye and Iraq, addressing key regional challenges, including the Syrian crisis and Iraq’s stability.
The day began in Ankara, where Blinken met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss developments in Syria. He reiterated U.S. support for a political transition in Syria that is both Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, aiming for a government that ensures accountability and inclusivity.
Later in Baghdad, Blinken held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, focusing on the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership. Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty amid ongoing regional tensions.
Speaking to reporters in Baghdad, Blinken stressed the need to work with Iraq on strengthening its sovereignty and security, particularly as the fallout from Syria’s conflict continues to affect the region. He also called for collective efforts to support the Syrian people recovering from years under Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
