Turkey’s Foreign Minister met with Syria’s new leader, emphasizing solidarity and the need for lifting international sanctions. They discussed the political transition in Syria and the importance of minority rights while suggesting a new constitution. Fidan’s visit underscores Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria post-Assad.
On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus. This meeting occurred shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Fidan’s visit aimed at discussing Syria’s political transition following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Both officials emphasized the importance of unity in Syria and advocated for the lifting of international sanctions that have hindered the nation’s recovery after years of conflict.
The Turkish Foreign Minister affirmed Turkey’s commitment to support Syria, saying, “Hopefully the darkest days of Syria are behind [and] better days await us.” He urged for immediate action to lift sanctions and called on the international community to assist in Syria’s rehabilitation and the return of displaced citizens. In response, al-Sharaa echoed the call for the removal of sanctions, stating that it was time to elevate the nation post-Al-Assad by addressing the economic restrictions that have remained since the 1970s.
Discussions during the meeting also highlighted the necessity of drafting a new Syrian constitution that would safeguard the rights of minorities. Additionally, the leaders addressed concerns regarding Syrian refugees, Israel’s actions in Syria, and the issue surrounding the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey categorizes as a terrorist organization. Fidan’s visit comes amid ongoing clashes in northeastern Syria, indicating the continued complications in the region.
Al-Sharaa, who took power two weeks prior, emphasized the significance of maintaining state institutions while proposing discussions about ensuring the representation of minorities in the new governance. He also hosted Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, marking his presence as the first Lebanese official to engage with Syria’s new administration. Jumblatt discussed the potential for improved relations between Lebanon and Syria following the recent political shifts, acknowledging the efforts of the Syrian people in seeking liberation from decades of tyranny.
The context of this meeting centers around significant political changes in Syria after the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad, following years of civil war that began in 2011. Turkey has historically supported the Syrian opposition, thus the recent visit by its Foreign Minister signals a potential shift in diplomatic relations and the prospects for reconstruction in Syria. The discussions also highlight the complexities of regional politics involving minority rights and the challenges posed by foreign interventions and sanctions.
In summary, the meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa represents an important step towards political stabilization in Syria following years of upheaval. Both leaders called for the lifting of international sanctions and emphasized the need for a fresh constitutional framework that safeguards minority rights. This dialogue highlights Turkey’s continued engagement in Syrian affairs and signals a potential shift in regional dynamics moving forward.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
