US ambassador visits Ankara to discuss counterterrorism efforts

Ambassador Elizabeth Richard and Turkish counterparts plan to fortify defenses against the exploitation of global financial channels by terrorist groups, focusing on long-term security impacts

Ambassador Elizabeth Richard, the U.S. coordinator for counterterrorism, will visit Ankara on Monday as part of the ongoing U.S.-Türkiye Counterterrorism Consultations.

This visit reflects the renewed commitment between the two nations to strengthen their fight against terrorism following the strategic consultations resumed in Washington, D.C., in March 2024.

“Ambassador Richard and her counterparts from the Türkiye government will discuss expanding and strengthening U.S.-Türkiye cooperation across multiple fronts,” according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy.

These discussions will focus on blocking terrorist movements, dismantling networks linked to organized crime and terrorism, and ensuring the defeat of groups such as PKK, DHKP-C, and Daesh in Syria and Iraq.

Moreover, the consultations will address the collaboration against the threats from Daesh and al-Qaida affiliates in Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia.

Ambassador Richard also plans to address the misuse of global financial channels by terrorist organizations with Türkiye officials. “It’s crucial we address how terrorist networks exploit financial systems globally,” said Richard.

Source: Newsroom