Fidan's response to Trump: 'We will not accept the Gaza plan' — What will be Turkey's role in the region?

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan evaluated the visit yesterday by Ahmet al-Shara, who was declared President of the Syrian Transitional Government. Fidan pointed out that after being declared President, Shara made his first visit to Saudi Arabia and his second visit to Turkey.

Emphasizing that the developments seen in Syria over the last 2 months are accelerating at a certain pace, Fidan stated that all of these developments are proceeding positively.

Making statements to AA, Fidan pointed out that the approach of both regional countries and the international community to the new administration is extremely positive, and underlined that the new administration is also acting responsibly.

Stating that there was an opportunity to address issues between the two countries that had not been resolved previously during the meeting held yesterday between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Shara, Fidan stated the following:

''What kind of role Turkey could have in the reconstruction of Syria, in getting it back on its feet, and in delivering basic services to the public, these were all laid on the table. As you know, our President has been a political leader who has placed great emphasis on social issues and social services, especially since his time as mayor. He can naturally see and read the situation the public is in with all its details.''

In the statement made after the meeting between Shara and Erdoğan, emphasis was placed on increasing cooperation between the two countries. In his statements today, Fidan provided information on the areas in which the two countries could form partnerships in the future.

THE MEETING BETWEEN SHARA AND ERDOĞAN

Fidan announced that President Erdoğan had the opportunity to go over how much energy is needed in Syria, as well as hospital and transportation issues, one by one with great detail and meticulousness. Stating that President Erdoğan addressed all issues with great meticulousness, Fidan expressed his belief that this was a 'very productive meeting.'

Reporting that the issue of counter-terrorism was also brought to the table, Fidan conveyed the following regarding the security issues discussed:

''Apart from that, security issues were also discussed between our two countries, primarily border security, increasing trade, and the issue of connectivity with regional countries. Of course, security issues include the fight against DAESH, border security, and the steps that can be taken with regional countries on this matter, primarily the issue of how the YPG will be resolved. Issues were discussed in such a wide spectrum.''

Fidan emphasized that such interactions are extremely important for the new administration in Damascus, stating that this provides an opportunity to learn firsthand what the interlocutors of important countries in the region feel, think, and expect.

On the other hand, stating that the administration in Damascus was also able to convey its own vision and thoughts and that there is such a cooperation model, Fidan pointed out that relations between Turkey and Syria will accelerate with great momentum in the new period.

In his statements, Fidan emphasized the importance of security and counter-terrorism topics. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the country's security could be ensured through political steps to be taken for a 'Terror-Free Turkey' and efforts to be made in 'developing Turkey's military capabilities.'

INVESTMENTS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Fidan emphasized that Turkey is a strong country and noted that serious investments have been made in the defense industry under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Arguing that Turkey has increased its capabilities in the military field, Fidan expressed the following words regarding the country's security policies:

''We have reformed our defense and national security system to a very large extent. We have gained tremendous capabilities in the field of intelligence, in the field of diplomacy, and in the military field. As long as no threat comes to us from the outside, we do not need much support from others on these matters. The issues that hurt and bother us, the problems that start beyond our borders in our region, the problems that pose a threat to us... Our number one expectation from Ahmet Shara, from the new administration, is to take ownership of and solve the problems in his own country. To deal with issues that threaten Turkey and the region. We expect this from Syria, we expect it from Iraq, and we expect it from Iran. They, in turn, naturally have to expect it from us. Just as we do not produce threats for the countries around us, it is our number one priority that the countries around us do not produce threats for us for any reason.''

On the other hand, Fidan announced that they will take steps aiming to establish a joint mechanism between Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan by taking a regional initiative in the fight against DAESH.

EMPHASIS ON 'TERROR-FREE TURKEY'

Fidan also touched upon the statements Bahçeli made recently regarding Öcalan. Emphasizing a 'Terror-Free Turkey,' Fidan highlighted the importance of conducting an 'independent solution process' regarding terrorism.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs shared the following views regarding Bahçeli's statements:

''(Terror-Free Turkey) It is extremely important to be able to fight this battle solely for the benefit of the country and with the country's independent decision, without waiting for permission from anyone. I evaluate Mr. Bahçeli's moves as extremely important moves in terms of pulling the rug out from under terrorism. The Syrian state will either send back or eliminate all PKK members who have come from various countries to ensure its own national integrity.''