US Syria envoy heads to Turkey, Saudi Arabia

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria James Jeffrey will travel to Turkey and Saudi Arabia this week to discuss regional issues, the State Department said Jan. 8.  

Jeffery will meet top Turkish officials and Syrian opposition members in Ankara and Istanbul to discuss the situation in northeastern Syria, U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254 and anti-ISIL coalition's efforts in Syria and Iraq.

On Jan. 12, Jeffrey will arrive in Riyadh to meet Saudi officials to discuss efforts to promote stability and security in Syria as well as the need to continue stabilization activities to ensure the enduring defeat of the ISIL terror group.

"In both countries, Ambassador Jeffrey will also discuss recent regional developments to ensure continued coordination on Syria and our efforts to defeat ISIS," said the State Department, using another acronym for ISIL.

Jeffrey last visited Turkey in November to meet Turkish and Syrian opposition officials.