The US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Tom Barrack, a prominent businessman and longtime ally, as the next US ambassador to Türkiye.

The move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen US-Türkiye relations, which have been strained in recent years.

Barrack, who has managed a global private equity firm for three decades, has been praised by Trump for his extensive experience and well-respected voice of reason in both political and business circles.

His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

The appointment comes at a critical time for US-Türkiye relations, which have been strained by disagreements over US support for the YPG in Syria and Türkiye’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.

Barrack’s experience in international business and diplomacy is expected to help navigate these complex issues.

Barrack has a long history of involvement in US politics, having chaired Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee and serving as a key advisor to his 2016 presidential campaign.

However, he has also faced legal challenges in the past, including allegations of operating as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates during the Trump administration. He was acquitted of all charges in 2022.

In a separate announcement, Trump also named Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and close friend, as ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle has been engaged to Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. since December 2020.