Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss the political transition post-Assad. They called for lifting international sanctions and focused on rebuilding efforts, emphasizing unity and stability in Syria. The discussions included constitutional reforms for minority protections and external influences affecting the country.
On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss the political transition following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. During their meeting in Damascus, both leaders emphasized the necessity for unity and stability in Syria. They also urged the international community to lift sanctions imposed on the country, which has been deeply affected by war.
Fidan expressed Turkey’s commitment to support Syria in its rebuilding efforts, stating, “Turkiye will continue to stand by your side … Hopefully the darkest days of Syria are behind [and] better days await us.” He called for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate Syria’s recovery and the return of displaced citizens. Al-Sharaa echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the time is right to remove these economic restrictions as the oppressive regime has been removed.
The discussions included the drafting of a new constitution to safeguard the rights of Syria’s minorities. Issues such as Syrian refugees, the violations of sovereignty by Israel, and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units were also addressed. The meeting occurred amidst ongoing conflict in northeastern Syria, where Turkey supports rebel factions opposing the Kurdish YPG, which it labels as a terrorist organization.
Al-Sharaa also welcomed Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who became the first Lebanese figure to meet the new Syrian administration. In their meeting, Jumblatt acknowledged the Syrian people’s struggle against tyranny and expressed hope for improved Lebanon-Syria relations under the new leadership. Al-Sharaa assured that minority groups would have fair representation in the new government structure, emphasizing the importance of protecting all sects in Syria.
Al Jazeera reported that the stability of state institutions was a focal point of Fidan’s visit, marking a significant shift for Turkey, which has historically supported the Syrian opposition since the uprising in 2011. The outcome of this meeting and future developments concerning Syria’s governance present crucial questions regarding the nation’s approach to minority rights and inter-communal harmony.
The recent meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a significant diplomatic engagement following a decade-long civil war that has redefined Syria’s political landscape. Turkey’s involvement in supporting opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad has now transitioned into an era of potential rebuilding and reconciliation. The pressing issue of international sanctions, initially imposed during the Assad regime, is raised as a barrier to recovery in Syria, as both leaders aim to establish a stable government moving forward.
In summary, the meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister and Syria’s new leader illustrates a critical moment for Syrian political transition, aiming for the lifting of international sanctions and the establishment of minority rights under a new constitutional framework. As Turkey shifts its stance from opposition to support of the new Syrian administration, the focus on unity, stability, and reconstruction is emphasized, indicating a new chapter in Turkish-Syrian relations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
