Ambassador Burhan Koroglu of Türkiye has been appointed as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. This follows his tenure as ambassador to Mauritania, as he temporarily heads Türkiye’s mission in Syria amid ongoing political instability.
On Thursday, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan officially appointed Ambassador Burhan Koroglu to the role of interim charge d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. Koroglu, who was previously serving as Türkiye’s ambassador to Mauritania in Nouakchott, will now oversee Türkiye’s diplomatic mission in Syria’s capital during this transitional period. The Turkish Embassy in Damascus has a complex history, having briefly operated during the initial phases of the Syrian Civil War before ceasing its functions in March 2012 due to escalating violence.
The appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as the acting chargé d’affaires in Damascus is significant given the turbulent diplomatic landscape in Syria. The Turkish Embassy first established its presence in Damascus but was forced to suspend operations amidst violent crackdowns on peaceful protests that began in 2011. Despite the absence of the Turkish diplomatic mission, Syria’s Consulate General in Istanbul has maintained its operations, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic exchanges despite political tensions.
In conclusion, Ambassador Burhan Koroglu’s appointment as the acting chargé d’affaires in Damascus marks a strategic move for Türkiye’s diplomatic engagement in Syria. His prior experience as Türkiye’s ambassador to Mauritania positions him to navigate the complexities of the current diplomatic environment. This assignment underscores Türkiye’s commitment to maintaining a presence and dialogue in the region despite past operational challenges.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
