Türkiye, Iran pledge cooperation amid escalating Syrian crisis
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) as they pose for a photo prior to their meeting at the Foreign Ministry Headquarter in Ankara, Turkiye on December 2, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a joint press conference in Ankara following their meeting, which focused on the worsening crisis in Syria and broader regional dynamics.
The talks highlighted the need for regional cooperation amid escalating instability in the Middle East.
Why it matters
Syria has seen renewed conflict in its north, with opposition groups becoming more active.
The ongoing strife impacts neighboring countries complicates refugee repatriation efforts, and challenges regional security.
Key statements
From Turkish FM Hakan Fidan
On Syria’s internal crisis:
Attempting to explain Syria’s challenges solely through external interventions oversimplifies the reality. Over 13 years of unresolved, interconnected issues are the core problem.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
- Criticized the Syrian regime for failing to engage sincerely in the political process under the Astana framework, labeling recent attacks on civilians as a significant misstep that reignited internal conflict.
On Türkiye’s role:
- Reaffirmed Türkiye’s long-standing support for Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, expressing readiness to contribute to reconciliation efforts between the Syrian regime and legitimate opposition.
- Warned against the destabilizing influence of terrorist groups.
Türkiye will not tolerate any attempts by terrorist organizations to exploit instability in the region. Any threat to our national security will be eliminated at its source.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
From Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi:
- On external actors:
- Accused the U.S. and Israel of fostering instability in Syria to deflect attention from Israel’s actions in Palestine and Lebanon.
Extremist groups in Syria, especially in the north, are being incentivized to destabilize the region. Ignoring Israel’s role in this growing tension is a critical mistake.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
- On Iran’s position:
- Stressed Iran’s unwavering support for Syria’s government, military, and sovereignty.
We believe preserving Syria’s stability is essential not only for the country but for the entire region. This requires sustained dialogue among regional powers
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi
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Shared goals
The ministers highlighted key areas of agreement:
- Preserving the gains of the Astana peace process and prioritizing the next round of high-level talks.
- Promoting regional stability by countering extremist groups and fostering political solutions in Syria.
- Enhancing coordination on economic and trade relations, with a Türkiye-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council meeting planned for early 2025 in Tehran.
Broader context
The renewed escalation in Syria’s north threatens to destabilize the region, potentially impacting Türkiye, Iran, and other neighbors. The crisis comes amid rising tensions over the roles of external powers, including the U.S. and Israel, in shaping Middle Eastern dynamics.
What’s next
The Turkish and Iranian governments are set to maintain close consultations with other regional actors like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt to address the Syrian crisis and broader security concerns. Both sides pledged to accelerate collaborative efforts for regional peace and stability.
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