In a significant diplomatic move, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus on Sunday, pledging support for Syria’s political transition and post-war reconstruction. The visit comes two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Fidan’s trip to engage with Syria’s new administration following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.
Turkiye Pushes for Lifting of Sanctions
During a joint press conference, Fidan emphasized the urgency of lifting international sanctions on Syria, citing the need for economic recovery and the return of displaced Syrians. “Sanctions on Damascus must be lifted as soon as possible. The international community needs to mobilize to help Syria get back on its feet,” Fidan said.
Fidan’s remarks were echoed by al-Sharaa, who urged global powers to remove economic restrictions. “The predator has gone, and only the victims remain,” al-Sharaa stated, referring to Assad’s downfall. “Now is the time for sanctions to be lifted so we can rebuild and move forward.”
Syria’s New Leadership Calls for Unity
Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led the operation that removed Assad two weeks ago. In his first public appearance, al-Sharaa highlighted the importance of drafting a new Syrian constitution that safeguards minorities.
“We take pride in our culture and religion, but our duty is to protect all sects,” al-Sharaa said, addressing concerns over minority rights, including those of Kurds, Christians, Alawites, and Druze communities.
Broader Regional Engagement
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt also met with al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the first visit by a Lebanese political figure to Syria since Assad’s ousting. Jumblatt, accompanied by his son Taymur, expressed hopes for renewed Lebanon-Syria relations.
“We salute the Syrian people for their great victories,” Jumblatt told al-Sharaa. “This should be the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Lebanon and Syria.” Jumblatt’s visit carries symbolic weight, as his father was allegedly assassinated under the orders of Assad’s father, Hafez al-Assad.
Al-Sharaa pledged to send a delegation to the Druze-majority city of Sweida to ensure services and representation for the community, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
Refugees and Security on the Agenda
The discussions in Damascus also covered the return of Syrian refugees, the role of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), and Israeli actions in Syrian territory. Ankara, which has hosted millions of Syrian refugees, hopes the new leadership can facilitate their safe return.
Turkiye, a longstanding supporter of Syrian opposition forces, has sought to balance its military engagements with diplomatic efforts. The visit by Fidan signifies Turkiye’s evolving stance as it pivots from backing rebels to engaging directly with Syria’s emerging leadership.
Looking Ahead
Fidan’s visit underscores a broader regional recalibration, as key stakeholders shift their focus from military intervention to political dialogue. For Turkiye, ensuring stability in Syria aligns with its national security interests, particularly concerning Kurdish forces in northeast Syria.
The meeting reflects a critical step towards rebuilding Syria’s fractured political landscape, with both leaders signaling their intent to prioritize national unity and reconstruction. As Fidan remarked, “Hopefully, the darkest days of Syria are behind, and better days await us.”
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