Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss Turkish support for Syria’s new administration after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, emphasizing reconstruction and governance. This dialogue occurs amid ongoing conflict in northeast Syria between Turkish-backed fighters and the Kurdish YPG militia, viewed as a terrorist threat by Ankara.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in discussions with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, in Damascus to deliberate on Turkish support for Syria’s administration following the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The meeting demonstrated a cooperative approach as both leaders were observed engaging warmly, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to assist in establishing a state structure and drafting a new constitution for Syria. Furthermore, President Tayyip Erdogan announced Turkey’s dedication to aid in rebuilding Syria, particularly facilitating the return of millions of Syrian refugees residing in Turkey. This diplomatic initiative occurs amidst ongoing military confrontations in northeast Syria, particularly between Turkey-backed Syrian factions and the Kurdish YPG militia, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization. Turkish officials have expressed a firm belief that the new Syrian leadership will actively disengage Kurdish combatants from the territories they occupy in the northeast.
The meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister and Syria’s de facto leader comes in the wake of a significant power shift following the expiration of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which had endured for over five decades amidst a protracted civil war. Turkey has historically supported rebel forces aiming to oust Assad and now seeks to influence the formation of a new governance framework in Syria. This situation is compounded by ongoing tensions in northeast Syria, where Turkey perceives the Kurdish YPG as a direct threat, leading to its military interventions in the region and a robust alliance with groups such as the Syrian National Army.
In summary, the recent meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister and Syria’s new administration leader signifies a crucial step towards reshaping the political landscape of Syria post-Assad. Turkey’s commitment to help establish a stable governance framework and its active military engagement in the region reflect its strategic interests in countering Kurdish influence and facilitating refugee repatriation. Moving forward, the effectiveness of these efforts will depend on the complex interplay between the various factions within Syria and the international community’s response.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
