Asaad al-Shaybani, the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Interim Government, and Hakan Fidan, the Foreign Minister of Turkey, met in Damascus and discussed strengthening relations between the two countries, activating high-level joint committees, and developing cooperation in political, economic, and security fields. After this meeting, the two sides held a joint press conference at the Tishreen Palace in Damascus.
Expansion of Relations and Joint Cooperation
Al-Shaybani announced at this meeting that relations between Syria and Turkey have rapidly expanded in recent times, and during the meeting with Fidan, issues related to energy, trade, the return of refugees, education, and culture were discussed. He also referred to the activation of high-level joint committees chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries, the establishment of a permanent secretariat, and the formation of specialized committees to follow up on the implementation of agreements.
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Development of Trade Exchanges and Economic Cooperation
The Foreign Minister of the Syrian Interim Government announced that Damascus intends to increase trade exchanges with Ankara from about four billion dollars last year to 10 billion dollars. He also emphasized the development of joint industrial zones in border areas and strengthening cooperation in energy and transportation sectors. Al-Shaybani also stressed the importance of forming a national and unified army and the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the state.
Fidan also stated at this meeting that all armed forces must be integrated into the state structure and emphasized the importance of preserving Syria's integrity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The two sides also discussed Israel's actions in southern Syria. Al-Shaybani emphasized the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas before January 8, 2024, and adherence to the 1974 separation of forces agreement, preferring diplomatic avenues.
Fidan condemned Israeli attacks and considered the policies of this country as one of the main obstacles to stability and positive developments in Syria. The Turkish Foreign Minister also announced Ankara's support for efforts to remove existing obstacles to Syria's integration into the global economy and called for strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of developing the railway project that connects Turkey through Syria to Saudi Arabia.
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