Turkish FM Meets Syria’s New Leader, Advocates for Sanction Removal

International news section  23-12-2024

Two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his foreign minister’s visit to Damascus, Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Syria’s transitional leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday. Their discussions focused on fostering unity, rebuilding Syria, and lifting international sanctions as the country moves forward post-conflict.

During their meeting, Fidan and al-Sharaa emphasized the urgency of lifting global sanctions, highlighting their detrimental impact on Syria’s recovery. Photographs from the Turkish Foreign Ministry captured the two leaders greeting each other warmly, symbolizing a potential turning point in Turkiye-Syria relations.

At a joint press conference, Fidan assured continued Turkish support for Syria’s reconstruction, stating, “Hopefully, the darkest days are over, and a brighter future lies ahead.” He urged the international community to mobilize resources for Syria’s recovery and to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians.

Al-Sharaa echoed Fidan’s call for lifting sanctions, emphasizing their role in perpetuating economic hardship. Describing the Assad regime as a symbol of decades-long oppression, al-Sharaa urged swift action to rebuild Syria and move the nation forward.

The leaders addressed key issues, including drafting a new constitution to protect minority rights, managing Syrian refugees, countering Israeli incursions, and addressing threats posed by Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkiye views as a terrorist organization.

This meeting follows significant shifts in Syria after the opposition assumed power, ending a 13-year war that started as an uprising in 2011. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war involving foreign powers, resulting in immense human and material losses.

Fidan’s visit occurred amid ongoing clashes in northeastern Syria between Turkiye-backed forces and the YPG. Turkiye, which has long supported the Syrian opposition, now emphasizes maintaining Syria’s institutional integrity while hosting millions of Syrian refugees.

Al-Sharaa also met with Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, marking Jumblatt’s first visit to Syria’s new leadership. Addressing concerns about minority rights under the new government, al-Sharaa affirmed Syria’s commitment to protecting its diverse communities, including Kurds, Christians, Alawites, and Druze.

Jumblatt, a prominent Druze leader and veteran politician, hailed Syria’s efforts to end decades of oppression, seeing al-Assad’s removal as a fresh chapter in Syria-Lebanon relations. He pledged support for Syria’s Druze community and highlighted shared cultural and religious ties.

In response, al-Sharaa promised greater inclusivity and services for minorities, including a planned delegation to Sweida, a Druze-majority city. He assured that the new administration would ensure fair representation for all ethnic and religious groups in Syria.

As Syria navigates a critical period of transition, international cooperation and support are seen as essential for rebuilding and reconciliation. Fidan’s visit underscores Turkiye’s evolving role in shaping Syria’s future, balancing its historical backing of opposition forces with pragmatic steps toward regional stability.