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Türkiye and Syria discuss new chapter of cooperation, address security issues

Türkiye and Syria discuss new chapter of cooperation, address security issues Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and the Foreign Minister of the new administration in Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani (L) hold a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye on Jan. 15, 2025. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Jan 16, 2025 9:36 AM

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.

Türkiye and Syria discuss new chapter of cooperation, address security issues
Turkish FM Hakan Fidan (3rd R) meets with Foreign Minister of the new administration in Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani (3rd L) in Ankara, Türkiye on January 15, 2025. Turkish Minister of Defense Yasar Guler (2nd R), Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin (R), Anas Khattab, head of Syria’s General Intelligence Organization (L) and Murhef Abu Qasr (2nd L), Minister of Defense of the new Syrian government. (AA Photo)

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.

Türkiye and Syria discuss new chapter of cooperation, address security issues
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) receives the foreign minister of the new administration in Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani,(L) at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on Jan. 15, 2025. (Turkish Presidency/Mustafa Kamaci – Anadolu Agency)

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.

Türkiye and Syria discuss new chapter of cooperation, address security issues
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the foreign minister of the new administration in Syria, Asaad al-Shaibani (not seen) speak during a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye on Jan. 15, 2025. (AA Photo)

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.

Last Updated:  Jan 16, 2025 11:55 AM