Under Secretary Bass and Assistant Secretary Leaf’s Travel to Iraq and Türkiye

Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara A. Leaf traveled to Iraq December 10-11 and met with government leaders to discuss a range of bilateral issues and regional security opportunities and challenges. They will also travel to Ankara, Türkiye on December 12 where they will join Secretary Antony J. Blinken.

In Baghdad, Under Secretary Bass and Assistant Secretary Leaf met with Iraqi government officials and political leaders to emphasize the enduring U.S.-Iraq partnership, the importance of regional security and stability, and the need to take action to promote Iraq's energy independence. On Syria, Under Secretary Bass emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power that is an inclusive, Syrian-led process in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

In Ankara, Under Secretary Bass and Assistant Secretary Leaf will join Secretary Blinken to meet with government officials of Türkiye, a valued NATO ally, to discuss the situation in Syria, underscoring full support for regional stability and a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition, and the need to support an inclusive and transparent process.