Diplomat from Turkey's top position heading to Syria amidst apprehension concerning the Strategic Development Goals (SDG)
In a significant development, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Aug. 7 in Syria, marking the latest high-level exchange between the two nations. This meeting, held amid heightened tensions in Syria's north and south, continues a pattern of regular exchanges since the political changes in Syria’s leadership, signalling a mutual interest in normalizing ties and potentially formalizing a diplomatic rapprochement.
The current status of Turkish-Syrian relations is marked by a significant thaw and increasing cooperation, especially following recent high-level meetings. During the discussions, both countries emphasized cooperation in rebuilding war-torn Syria, with Turkish companies actively interested in infrastructure, energy, textiles, and agriculture sectors. Reconstruction costs for Syria are estimated between $250 billion and $400 billion, presenting major economic opportunities for Turkey.
Security concerns and terrorism were also key topics of discussion. Both sides targeted joint efforts against terrorist groups, notably Daesh/ISIS and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Turkey views as linked to the PKK insurgency. Security coordination is a primary area for cooperation to address Turkey’s national security concerns, especially in northeastern Syria.
Regional stability was another focus of the talks. Both sides reiterated the importance of addressing Israeli military presence and activities in southern Syria, which Turkey perceives as threatening to Syria’s sovereignty and regional balance. This issue also involves concerns about Israeli support for separatist movements and its broader strategic ambitions in the region.
The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between Turkey and Syria and address key regional issues. Turkey will continue to support the Syrian government's fight against terrorist organizations and provide the requested training, advisory, and technical support to enhance its defense and security capabilities. The priority for Turkey is to take advantage of opportunities for cooperation with Syria in various areas, serving the stability and security of Syria.
Coordination of reconstruction and revitalization efforts in Syria was a central topic. However, the recent renewed unrest in Sweida province has caused concern, where a fragile ceasefire is holding after violent clashes in July between Druze militias and armed Bedouin clans. The sources stated that the terrorist organization SDG has been making itself heard in recent times, drawing strength from the clashes in southern Syria.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing concerns over last week's confrontations between government-affiliated fighters and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Turkish defense officials expressed worries over the SDF's failure to comply with an integration agreement brokered with the new Syrian government. Syrian authorities reported that three civilians and four soldiers were injured after the SDF launched a rocket barrage near the city of Manbij.
In conclusion, Turkish-Syrian relations are undergoing a cautious but substantive normalization process centered on reconstruction cooperation, coordinated security efforts against terrorism, and addressing shared regional challenges. This evolving partnership reflects significant strategic recalibration by both Ankara and Damascus after years of animosity. The ongoing dialogue between the two nations offers hope for a more stable and secure future in the region.
- The ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Syria, primarily focused on reconstruction, security, and regional issues, demonstrates a mutual interest in normalizing ties and potentially formalizing a diplomatic rapprochement, following war-and-conflicts and political changes in Syria's leadership.
- In the context of regional news, the general-news discussion between Turkish and Syrian officials revolved around the coordination of reconstruction and revitalization efforts, joint security efforts against terrorist groups like Daesh/ISIS and the PKK-linked SDF, and addressing shared regional challenges such as Israeli military presence in southern Syria, thereby reflecting a significant shift in the political landscape of this war-torn region.
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