Turkish Foreign Minister and New Syrian Leadership Commit to Enhancing Relations After Discussions
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Damascus, Dec 23 (NationPress) Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, held discussions with Hakan Fidan, the visiting Turkish Foreign Minister, during which both parties committed to enhancing their bilateral relations.
During a joint press conference after their meeting on Sunday, Fidan shared his optimism for a brighter future for Syria, promising Turkey's assistance in reconstructing Syria's infrastructure, reorganizing its institutions, and facilitating the return of displaced Syrians.
Fidan emphasized that restoring stability in Syria is vital for the millions of refugees, advocating for a consensus within the country and a system that protects minorities while including all faiths and ethnicities, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He stated, "Terrorist organizations have no place in Syria's future," specifically targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its alleged affiliates in Syria, which Turkey designates as terrorist entities, while welcoming the new authorities in Syria for their commitment to combating extremist factions.
Fidan urged Israel to cease its military operations in Syria and respect the nation's sovereignty, calling for an end to international sanctions imposed on Syria.
He cautioned that some foreign powers exploit local proxies within Syria and expressed his hope for a shift in US policy in light of the evolving situation.
Al-Sharaa referred to Turkey as "a friend to the Syrian people," stating that both nations seek to establish strategic relations that align with the future needs of the region.
Highlighting the urgent challenges Syria faces, including a refugee crisis, economic hardship, and widespread poverty, al-Sharaa reiterated the new Syrian government's dedication to building a state that fulfills the aspirations of all Syrians and called for a global consensus to ensure the country's unity and the lifting of all sanctions.
He asserted, "It is unacceptable for any group in Syria to possess weapons," underlining the necessity of disarming all factions throughout Syria, including those under the influence of the PKK and its affiliates.
Al-Sharaa emphasized the need for unifying military forces under a new Defence Ministry, noting that most armed groups in Syria have agreed to a centralized command structure.
According to the Turkish state-run TRT broadcaster, the meeting also included Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, Burhan Koroglu, the acting charge d'affaires at the Turkish embassy in Damascus, and Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria's interim foreign minister.
Al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, led a significant military operation culminating in the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government on December 8.
