In a historic meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Command of Military Operations (CMO) leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, known previously by his nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, met in Damascus on Sunday to discuss the future of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The visit, the first of its kind by a Turkish foreign minister since Assad’s ouster on December 8, marks a significant step in Turkey’s engagement with Syria’s caretaker government.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The meeting comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged Ankara’s support for Syria’s reconstruction, including the development of state structures and the drafting of a new constitution. Fidan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to fostering stability, bolstering the Syrian economy, and facilitating the return of refugees.
“Syria stands on the threshold of a promising future after years of conflict,” Fidan said during a joint press conference with al-Sharaa. “We are proud to support the Syrian people as they rebuild their nation.”
Al-Sharaa outlined plans to consolidate military power under a unified Ministry of Defense, emphasizing the importance of centralizing weapons control to ensure state stability. “The logic of the state is different from the logic of revolution,” he said, adding that all factions will dissolve into a unified Syrian army.
Fidan lauded these efforts, pledging Turkey’s assistance in streamlining the transition. “The establishment of the Ministry of Defense and the dissolution of factions will lay the foundation for a strong and unified Syria,” Fidan said.
Calls for Lifting Sanctions
Both leaders called for the immediate lifting of international sanctions on Syria, arguing that they hinder the nation’s recovery. Al-Sharaa urged global powers to remove restrictions imposed under the Assad regime, stating, “The executioner is gone. It is the Syrian people who continue to suffer under these sanctions.”
Fidan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of international support for Syria’s reconstruction. “It is time for the world to rally behind Syria’s new leadership and provide the assistance needed to rebuild and ensure stability,” he said.
Combating Terrorism
Discussions also addressed counterterrorism efforts, with both leaders agreeing on the importance of eradicating threats posed by groups such as ISIS and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with ties to the terrorist PKK organization. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s stance against the presence of the PKK and SDF in Syria, calling for their immediate dissolution. He pledged Turkey’s continued support in combating extremist groups, saying, “We stand ready to assist Syria in ensuring its sovereignty and security.”
Regional Stability
Fidan underscored the importance of drafting a new constitution that respects all components of Syrian society, including minorities, as a cornerstone for stability. “A just and inclusive government will be Syria’s greatest success,” he said. Al-Sharaa highlighted Syria’s commitment to protecting minorities and fostering unity. “There is consensus among all components of Syrian society to establish a state that reflects its diversity,” he said.
The meeting signals a new phase in Turkish-Syrian relations, with both nations working to rebuild trust and cooperation after years of tension. Fidan’s visit, and recent meetings between Syrian leaders and other international delegations, highlight growing international engagement with Syria’s new administration. As Syria embarks on its path toward recovery, the partnership with Turkey is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the nation’s political, economic, and security challenges. “Together, we will ensure that Syria achieves peace, stability, and prosperity,” Fidan said.
