US, Turkey work to outline cooperation for future of Manbij

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Officials from the United States and Turkey met in Ankara to discuss Syria, namely Manbij "and other issues of mutual interest and cooperation."

"The two sides outlined the main contours of a Road Map for their further cooperation in ensuring security and stability in Manbij," read a statement released by the US Embassy in Ankara on Friday.

Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a nearly identical meeting readout.

The meeting is part of a Turkish-US Working Group on Syria, as the two NATO allies have been at odds over the US-led international anti-ISIS coalition's support for the YPG in the northern city.

The Kurdish-led YPG were the primary partnered-ground force in the liberation of Manbij from ISIS in 2016.

West of the Euphrates, Turkey would like to see a US withdrawal; however, Washington has invested in stabilization efforts there through the establishment of military and civil councils.

A US military and political delegation visited Manbij last week. According to the Manbij Military Council, the allies discussed their ongoing coordination and maintaining security. 

Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu and his American counterpart Mike Pompeo will meet on June 4 to further discuss the situation.

US President Donald Trump campaigned heavily on US troop withdrawals in places like Syria. Under his administration, Washington has called on regional players to play a greater role in resolving the Syrian conflict and fight against extremism.