Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Meets Syria's New Leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Meets Syria's New Leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria's new administration head Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus on Sunday. They pledged cooperation for Syria's political transformation and the reconstruction of the war-torn country. During the meeting, they emphasized the necessity of unity and stability in Syria and called for the lifting of all international sanctions.

In a press conference, Fidan stated, "We will stand by Syria... I hope Syria leaves behind its dark days and looks forward to brighter ones." He highlighted the urgency of lifting the sanctions imposed on Syria and urged the international community to help rebuild the country.

Al-Sharaa, who recently took leadership of Syria after ousting the Assad regime, also called for the withdrawal of global sanctions. He remarked, "It is now time to lift these sanctions because the causes of injustice and oppression no longer exist. It is time to move on."

The two leaders also discussed constitutional reforms and the protection of minorities in Syria. Other topics included the refugee crisis, Israel's "illegal activities," and the Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG).

Fidan's visit to Damascus comes at a time when Turkey-backed Syrian fighters are battling the Kurdish YPG group supported by Turkey. Turkey, which has long supported opposition forces against the Assad regime, remains hopeful that Syrian refugees will begin returning home.

Additionally, Syria's new leader Al-Sharaa hosted Lebanon's Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who met with top officials of Syria's new government and called for a new era of relations between Syria and Lebanon.

Turkey and Syria seek international support for this new political relationship, particularly in aiding refugees and participating in Syria's reconstruction process.