Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Jordan and Türkiye – United States Department of State

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Aqaba, Jordan and Ankara, Türkiye December 11-13, 2024.

In Aqaba and Ankara, Secretary Blinken will meet with leaders to discuss developments in Syria, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and across the region.  The Secretary will reiterate the United States’ support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government.  He will discuss the need for the transition process and new government in Syria to respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance, prevent Syria from being used as a base of terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors, and ensure that chemical weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed.  Secretary Blinken will underscore U.S. support for Syria’s neighbors during this transition period and emphasize that displaced Syrians in the region will continue to need access to protection.  He will also discuss the urgent need to conclude a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that secures the release of hostages, facilitate additional humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian civilians, and continue to implement the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hizballah.

In Aqaba, Secretary Blinken will discuss a range of bilateral issues while meeting with senior Jordanian government officials and will underscore the strength of the United States-Jordan strategic partnership and emphasize U.S. support for the stability of Syria’s neighbors, including Jordan, during this period of transition.

In Ankara, Secretary Blinken will also discuss ongoing bilateral cooperation on shared priorities from counterterrorism to regional stability while meeting with senior government officials of Türkiye, a valued NATO Ally.