Syrian FM to visit Türkiye for talks on security, cooperation

ANKARA

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani will visit Türkiye on Aug. 6 for talks with Turkish top diplomat Hakan Fidan on security, stability efforts and bilateral cooperation.

During the working visit, Fidan and al-Shibani are expected to review efforts aimed at establishing lasting stability and security in Syria, including initiatives carried out with Türkiye’s support, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

Fidan is expected to highlight that Syria’s counterterrorism capabilities have been gradually improving and reiterate Ankara’s determination to further enhance coordination with Damascus in the fight against terrorism.

The talks will also focus on expanding cooperation with Syria within an institutional framework in areas including the economy, security, social reconciliation and reconstruction, the sources said.

The two ministers are expected to discuss plans for upcoming high-level visits and underline the need to add a parliamentary dimension to relations with Syria, following the People’s Assembly’s launch of activities last month as part of efforts to strengthen state institutions.

Ankara and Damascus are also expected to address the latest developments regarding the integration of northeastern Syria into the central government, an issue closely followed by Türkiye.

Fidan is expected to criticize Israel’s policies and actions aimed at undermining Syria’s efforts to establish stability and security, while stressing the importance of Damascus continuing steps toward normalization without being drawn into a new cycle of regional conflict.

The minister is also expected to call for an end to Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza despite a reported agreement to move to the second phase of a peace plan, saying the attacks must be halted with the support of the international community.

Fidan is set to emphasize that ending Israel’s occupation in southern Lebanon is critical for regional security and stability and reiterate Türkiye’s support for diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible and achieve lasting peace.