Turkey strengthens diplomatic ties with Syria amid reconstruction efforts

Published December 22nd, 2024 - 04:05 GMT
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish FM Fidan
This handout picture released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry press service shows Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L) being received by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), in Damascus on December 22, 2024. (Photo by TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP)

ALBAWABA - In a major diplomatic move, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Damascus on Sunday and met with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of Syria's new temporary government.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz, Acting Ambassador to Damascus Burhan Köroğlu, and Syrian Foreign Minister Esaad Hasan Shayban attended the meeting, which was a part of Fidan's trip to the Syrian capital. The main topics of conversation were ways to improve relations between the two nations and potential areas of collaboration while Syria is being rebuilt.

Cevdet Yılmaz, the vice president of Turkey, emphasized the importance of the visit, calling it a gesture of friendship and support between Syria and Turkey.

On social media, Yılmaz said, "Our Foreign Minister's visit to Damascus highlights the fraternal ties between our countries." "Turkey's policies, which have served as a model for humanity, will continue to strengthen in this new phase under President Erdoğan's leadership."

Yılmaz reaffirmed Turkey's willingness to assist Syria in a number of areas, including as infrastructure, security, institutional development, and the economy. "We remain committed to supporting the Syrian people in their reconstruction journey, just as we stood with them during their most difficult times," he said.

In order to promote peace and prosperity in the area, Yılmaz underlined the need of establishing a stable Syria free from the influence of terrorist organizations like ISIS and the PKK.

"We envision a Syria that resurrects its cultural heritage of coexistence by embracing all its diverse communities," he said. "Turkey is prepared to help with this crucial transition, and Syrians deserve a stable, united homeland."

The vice president urged allies and international organizations to support Syria's rebuilding and defend its residents' rights. He also emphasized the possibility of solid bilateral relations, especially when Syrian refugees return home in safety and dignity.

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content