Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss the country’s political transition and rebuilding efforts after the Assad regime’s fall. Both officials called for lifting international sanctions and stressed the importance of unity within Syria. The discussions included drafting a new constitution and addressing the needs of various ethnic and religious minorities.
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently met with the new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus. This meeting aimed to discuss political transitions and support rebuilding efforts following the end of the Bashar al-Assad regime. During the discussions, both officials emphasized the necessity of unity in Syria and advocated for the lifting of all international sanctions imposed on the country.
Fidan’s visit was publicized shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that his minister would travel to Damascus. Visuals of the meeting showed a cordial exchange between Fidan and al-Sharaa, reflecting a desire for a collaborative future. Fidan expressed Turkiye’s commitment to supporting Syria as they move toward recovery from the conflict, stating, “hopefully the darkest days of Syria are behind [and] better days await us.”
The meeting addressed key topics including the urgent need to lift sanctions, which al-Sharaa argued were unjustly imposed during the Assad regime. He claimed that “all the economic sanctions must be lifted” as Syria seeks progress without oppression, indicating a shift in governance after years of conflict. Discussion also included the creation of a new constitution to protect diverse communities within Syria.
Furthermore, Fidan’s visit coincided with ongoing tensions in northeastern Syria, particularly between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish YPG group, which Turkiye designates as a terrorist entity. The Turkish government has long supported Syrian opposition forces but is now urging for a stable state apparatus to be established.
Concurrent to these discussions, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt visited Syria and expressed optimism for improved relations following the Assad regime’s removal. Al-Sharaa assured Jumblatt that Syria would honor its cultural diversity and provide fair representation for all ethnic and religious minorities. The question of how the new administration will address minority rights remains paramount, with frequent inquiries directed at al-Sharaa from both domestic and international observers.
Recent diplomatic interactions between Turkiye and the newly-established Syrian administration highlight a significant shift in the regional political landscape following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in extensive humanitarian crises, prompting international sanctions. The current leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa signifies a new chapter for Syria, characterized by efforts to unify the country and rebuild its war-torn infrastructure. Relations with neighboring countries, particularly Turkiye, are crucial for stability as the region navigates the complexities of post-conflict recovery.
The meeting between Turkiye’s Foreign Minister and Syria’s new leader marks a pivotal moment in the region’s aspiration for stability and rehabilitation following years of conflict. By advocating for the lifting of sanctions and underlining the need for unity, both nations are positioning themselves to foster recovery and address minority rights under the new political restructure. The path ahead for Syria entails not only governmental reform but also a commitment to protecting the diverse voices within its populace, which is essential for lasting peace and understanding.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
