Fidan leads high-Level Turkish delegation to Damascus for critical Syria talks

A top-level Turkish delegation, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Undersecretary İbrahim Kalın, commenced a significant working visit to Damascus, Syria on Monday. The officials are scheduled to meet with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other senior figures to comprehensively steer the course of bilateral relations.

Focus on Security and Stability

The agenda places paramount importance on Türkiye’s national security and regional stability. Discussions will center on the implementation progress of the March 10 agreement between the two nations and strategies to counter emerging security threats, particularly from Israel's actions in southern Syria. Enhanced cooperation against the potential resurgence of the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group, especially following Syria's entry into the International Coalition to Defeat Daesh, is also a critical priority.

Reconstruction and Bilateral Ties

Beyond immediate security concerns, the talks will encompass Syria's reconstruction and long-term bilateral cooperation. The delegation is set to review ongoing Turkish-supported reconstruction projects and capacity-building initiatives for the Syrian government. This visit underscores the accelerated normalization efforts since the fall of the previous Assad regime one year ago, aiming to transform historical challenges into cooperative opportunities.

Momentum in Diplomatic Engagement

This visit marks another step in the sustained high-level dialogue between Ankara and Damascus. The 3+3 format meetings, involving foreign and defense ministers alongside intelligence chiefs, have become a cornerstone of this engagement. Previous rounds included a Syrian delegation visit to Ankara in January and a reciprocal Turkish visit in March, with the latest high-level security meeting held in Ankara this past October.