Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has sought to maintain counter-insurgency cooperation with Middle East allies.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama sent an envoy for security consultations with Turkey, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The officials said the presidential envoy, Lisa Monaco, focused on the threat of Al Qaida, particularly in Syria.

“In Ankara on March 6-7, Ms. Monaco met with her Turkish government counterparts as part of the United States’ ongoing engagement with Turkey to
strengthen our joint counter-terrorism efforts,” National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.

“In these meetings, Ms. Monaco and Turkish Government officials discussed how we can continue to work together most effectively on a range of issues, particularly with respect to countering the growing terrorist presence in Syria.”

Ms. Monaco, Obama’s assistant on homeland security and CI, was sent to Ankara as part of U.S. efforts to expand cooperation with Turkey.

Officials said Ms. Monaco sought to ensure that Turkey would not allow fighters and weapons to reach Al Qaida militias in northern Syria.

Officials said Ms. Monaco did not meet the Turkish intelligence community during her visit. Instead, she held sessions with Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala and Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu.

Ms. Monaco also held CI talks with Saudi Arabia and Yemen on March 8.
Officials said the U.S. envoy reviewed both the war against Al Qaida in the
Arabian Peninsula as well as efforts to introduce democracy.

On the following day, the U.S. envoy met Saudi officials in preparation
for Obama’s visit at the end of March. Earlier, Saudi Interior Minister
Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef visited Washington and met senior administration
officials for regional talks.

“Ms. Monaco reiterated the United States’ commitment to continuing to
strengthen our cooperation on a range of common interests,” Ms. Hayden said.

  Efkan Ala, Feridun Sinirlioglu, Lisa Monaco, National Security Council, U.S. envoy sets stage for Obama Middle East visit in late March