Israel's actions destabilize the region, affirms Foreign Minister Fidan, restating Türkiye's backing for Syria.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Criticises Israel's Policies and Pledges Support for Syria's Rebuild
During his third visit to Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan strongly criticized Israel for its destabilizing and expansionist policies in Syria and the wider region.
Fidan accused Israel of fueling violence and sectarian strife, notably in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, and warned that Israel's security cannot come at the expense of its neighbors' stability. He emphasized that Israel should ensure the prosperity and security of neighboring countries rather than undermining them.
Regarding Syria's reconstruction, Fidan expressed support for the efforts of the new interim Syrian government, led by President Ahmad Al Shara since Bashar Assad's ousting in December 2024, to restore stability and political unity. Turkey pledged ongoing support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inclusive governance, offering training and technical aid upon Damascus's request.
Fidan called on regional Middle Eastern and Arab countries — including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq — to cooperate and assist Syria in its recovery, highlighting Turkey's role as Syria's influential northern neighbor. Turkish businesses also seek reconstruction opportunities, and a Turkey-Syria Business Council has recently been re-established to enhance trade ties.
During his discussions with President Al-Sharaa, Fidan emphasized the need for international community intervention against Israeli policies. He also addressed Israel's activities targeting Syria during the discussions.
In addition to the political and economic discussions, Fidan and Al-Sharaa also discussed topics such as trade, investment, transportation, and energy. Fidan expressed determination to deepen cooperation between Turkey and Syria in all areas.
Fidan stated that he personally witnessed the progress Syria has made in many areas during his visits. He highlighted internal and external threats to Syria's sovereignty and political unity, and concluded by stating that they evaluated steps for Syria's reconstruction at bilateral and regional levels.
In summary, Hakan Fidan views Israel's policies as a source of regional instability and expressed Turkey’s commitment to support Syria politically and economically in rebuilding after years of conflict.
- Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, criticized Israel's expansionist and destabilizing policies in Syria and the wider region during his third visit to Damascus.
- The Turkish government has pledged ongoing support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inclusive governance, offering training and technical aid upon Damascus's request.
- Fidan called on regional Middle Eastern and Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq, to cooperate and assist Syria in its recovery, while discussing Turkey's role as Syria's influential northern neighbor.
- In his discussions with Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara, Fidan emphasized the need for international community intervention against Israeli policies and addressed Israel's activities targeting Syria.
