Turkey’s Foreign Minister Engages with Syria’s New Leader to…

Turkiye’s Foreign Minister meets Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss post-war reconstruction and political transition. They emphasized the need to lift international sanctions and draft a new constitution protecting minorities. Turkish support is pivotal for Syria as the country navigates its recovery from years of conflict.

On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant step in Turkey’s engagement with the new Syrian administration. The meeting, held in Damascus, was aimed at discussing post-war reconstruction and political transition following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Both officials emphasized the need for national unity and stability within Syria while advocating for lifting international sanctions imposed on the country.

Fidan expressed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria in its recovery, stating, “Hopefully the darkest days of Syria are behind [us], and better days await us.” He further urged the global community to lift sanctions against Syria promptly to facilitate the return of displaced persons and restore the nation. Al-Sharaa echoed these sentiments, asserting that all economic sanctions should end, as the regime blamed for their enforcement has been overthrown.

During their discussions, the officials also highlighted the importance of creating a new Syrian constitution that would ensure protections for the country’s minority groups. They addressed various critical issues, including the situation of Syrian refugees and challenges posed by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey considers a terrorist organization.

Fidan’s visit coincides with ongoing conflict in northeastern Syria involving Turkey-backed fighters and the YPG, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Turkey has historically supported opposition forces aiming to oust al-Assad while hosting millions of Syrian refugees.

In a separate meeting, al-Sharaa welcomed Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who underscored the necessity for constructive relations between Syria and Lebanon following al-Assad’s removal. Jumblatt, an experienced political figure, recognized the struggle of the Syrian people against tyranny and reiterated the importance of safeguarding the cultural and religious diversity within the country.

Al-Sharaa indicated plans to deliver services to the Druze community, promoting the representation of religious and ethnic minorities in the new Syrian government framework. This reinforces the ongoing dialogue about inclusivity in the new sociopolitical environment, which is pivotal for Syria’s stability post-conflict.

The recent meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister and the newly established Syrian leadership occurs during a critical period of transition after the longstanding Assad administration. The political shift presents an opportunity for Turkey and other stakeholders to engage in discussions regarding Syria’s governance, reconstruction efforts, and the broader regional implications resulting from years of conflict. The history of sanctions against Syria and the post-war reconstruction efforts require multi-faceted approaches that prioritize stability and inclusivity within the newly formed administration.

In summary, the meeting between Hakan Fidan and Ahmed al-Sharaa signals Turkey’s readiness to support the new Syrian government amid ongoing challenges in the region. Both leaders are advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions to aid Syria’s recovery and ensure the protection of minorities within the nation. The discussions highlight the ever-evolving political landscape in Syria, emphasizing national unity, stability, and a commitment to democracy and inclusivity.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com