Türkiye and Syria discuss new chapter of cooperation, address security issues
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan of Türkiye and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani held a joint press conference, emphasizing the need for reconciliation among Syria’s diverse religious, ethnic and sectarian groups.
The meeting followed a high-level trilateral discussion involving defense and intelligence officials from both nations.
“Syria’s religious, ethnic, and sectarian groups must embrace reconciliation. The time has come,” Fidan stated, underlining the importance of an inclusive political process led and owned by the Syrian people.
The talks signal a turning point in Türkiye-Syria relations following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the establishment of a new Syrian government.
Focus on counterterrorism and regional stability
Türkiye offered operational support to Syria’s new government in its fight against Daesh, with Fidan emphasizing the need for intelligence sharing and military cooperation.
“We expressed our readiness to provide operational support against Daesh. This includes assistance in managing camps and prisons housing Daesh affiliates,” Fidan noted.
Türkiye also reiterated its stance that terrorist groups such as PKK/YPG and Daesh have no place in the new Syria, highlighting the Syrian government’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.
Diplomatic milestones and future plans
Fidan announced that Türkiye’s consulate in Aleppo would reopen on Jan. 20, following the reopening of Türkiye’s embassy in Damascus after 12 years. He also hinted at the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Syria in the near future.
Türkiye’s cooperation with Syria aims to rebuild the war-torn nation, with a focus on infrastructure and public services.
Fidan called for the lifting of international sanctions to accelerate Syria’s normalization process and enable the return of millions of displaced Syrians.
Criticism of Israel’s policies
Fidan used the platform to critique Israel’s actions in the region, stating that its policies had made the world “more uncertain, more ruleless, and more power-driven.”
He described Israeli expansionism as a threat to all nations, adding that its security measures have left many countries feeling less secure.
“Israel’s military goals have turned the world into a more chaotic place. This impacts us all,” he remarked, reaffirming Türkiye’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.