Hakan Fidan speaks in Damascus: All armed elements in Syria must unite under a central structure

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made assessments regarding Turkey-Syria relations, the security structure in Syria, and regional developments during a joint press conference held in Damascus with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shaibani.

Fidan stated that the integration of all armed elements in Syria under a central state structure is essential for the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and social unity. Describing the step taken by the SDF to dissolve itself and integrate into Syrian state institutions as an "important initiative," Fidan noted that this process must be implemented on the ground without delay.

The integration of all armed elements in the country under a central state structure is essential for strengthening Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and social unity.

Fidan expressed that the integration process is important not only for security but also for the investment environment, social peace, and the sense of security among citizens. He emphasized that it is also Turkey's perspective that Syrians should be able to live freely on the basis of equal citizenship, without discrimination based on belief or ethnic identity.

Stating that relations between Turkey and Syria have gained significant momentum over the last two years, Fidan conveyed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Syrian President Ahmed Shara had given instructions for the establishment of a joint planning group on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara. Fidan also announced that Erdoğan is planning a visit to Syria in the near future.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Fidan stated that there is an intensive agenda between the two countries in many areas, primarily in the economy. Expressing that interest from Turkey toward Syria, particularly in the industrial and textile sectors, is increasing, Fidan reiterated the goal of increasing the bilateral trade volume to 10 billion dollars in the medium term.

Pointing out that Syria is in a critical position in terms of regional connection lines, Fidan said that the railway route being worked on by Turkey, Syria, and Saudi Arabia could form an important line between the Gulf and Europe. Fidan noted that they want to strengthen this connectivity in practice through highways, railways, and pipelines.

Directing harsh criticism toward Israel during the press conference, Fidan argued that Israel is pursuing policies aimed at destabilizing Syria. Citing the attack on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase as one of the latest examples of this policy, Fidan emphasized that Syria has the right to ensure security within its own territory and to develop its national capacity.

Stating that Israel's attacks harm the international community's efforts to combat terrorism, Fidan said that international organizations, primarily the United Nations, must intervene more effectively. He described a security arrangement based on the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces as the "only realistic framework" for a lasting solution in Southern Syria.

Touching upon the discussions regarding the status of the Turkish language as an elective course in the Syrian curriculum, Fidan said that the issue was addressed in the meeting with al-Shaibani and that the Syrian side conveyed that there were no issues regarding this matter.