Türkiye stresses Syria’s territorial integrity in diplomatic talks

Senior diplomats from Arab, Western, and Turkish delegations met in Jordan on Saturday to discuss Syria’s future, calling for the establishment of an inclusive government following the removal of Bashar al-Assad.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the shared commitment to a Syrian-led transition during the talks.

“We reached a consensus that the transition process must be driven and owned by Syrians themselves and must lead to a government that is both inclusive and representative,” Blinken told reporters. A joint statement from the talks is expected to reflect this unified stance.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s position on the importance of safeguarding Syria’s territorial unity throughout the process. “The territorial integrity and unity of Syria must remain intact under all conditions,” Fidan stated.

He also underlined the global importance of stability in Syria. “Syria’s stability is crucial not only for the region but also for the broader international community. A well-structured, inclusive transition led by Syrians is something we all need,” he added.

The discussions also shed light on the United States’ interactions with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that has taken control in parts of Syria. Despite the group being labeled a terrorist organization by Washington, Blinken acknowledged direct contact had been made.

“We have engaged with HTS and other parties,” Blinken said, without providing further details on the nature of the communication.