Türkiye’s FM visits Damascus to deepen ties

Hakan Fidan speaks after the Balkans Peace Platform meeting in Istanbul on 26 July, 2025.
Reuters

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will hold talks in Damascus on Thursday with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss bilateral relations, the evolving situation in Syria, and tensions with Israel, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source confirmed.

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad last year, Türkiye has become one of Syria’s key international partners, committing to aid in reconstruction, military training, and diplomatic support.

Syria’s rebuilding process will be a central topic in Fidan’s meeting, alongside Türkiye's security concerns stemming from instability in northeast Syria.

The discussions will address recent clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government troops in Manbij and Aleppo, as well as Ankara's ongoing stance against the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led SDF, which it classifies as a terrorist group.

Ankara is also expected to reiterate its support in providing technical, advisory, and military assistance to Syria to strengthen its fight against ISIS and restore sovereignty.

Fidan, who has previously criticized Israeli interference, will raise concerns over what Türkiye sees as provocative rhetoric and behavior by Israel that threatens regional stability.

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