US envoy states Turkey’s importance to make new path for Mideast

2025-07-01 09:35:20

(MENAFN) The United States Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, has underlined Ankara’s strategic importance in the evolving political landscape of the Middle East, asserting that Türkiye is essential to creating a new path forward for peace in the region.

"Israel needs to be redefined, it is on the process of being redefined. And what just happened between Israel and Iran is an opportunity for all of us to say, time out, let's create a new road. Türkiye is key in that new road," Barrack stated.

In comments shared with Turkish media, Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. special representative for Syria, reflected on his strong personal connection to Türkiye. He shared that his grandfather arrived in the United States in 1900 carrying an Ottoman passport and just 13 liras. “Having the gift and the privilege of returning to where my DNA came from, as a senior diplomat for President (Donald) Trump ... it's just a privilege,” he said.

Addressing the state of bilateral relations and the broader regional situation, Barrack spoke about the recent high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, held during the NATO summit in The Hague. He noted that not only the two leaders but also Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio share strong personal bonds.

“We started with an affinity and an understanding of those four people, the two presidents and the foreign ministries, having a personal relationship of trust with each other at a very, very important time in history,” he said.

Barrack added that two phone conversations between Trump and Erdoğan have contributed to deepening mutual confidence and reinforcing diplomatic ties.

Highlighting broader geopolitical trends, Barrack noted that the Middle East and surrounding regions are entering a new phase, with Türkiye playing a pivotal role. He reiterated that the United States has long viewed Türkiye as a crucial NATO partner amid shifting regional dynamics.

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