Joint press conference: Al-Shaibani, Hakan Fidan in Damascus

Assad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister of the Syrian transitional government, and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, met today in Damascus to discuss strengthening the partnership between the two countries and activating the High-Level Joint Committee to oversee political, economic, and security matters.

Speaking at a joint press conference at Tishreen Palace, Al-Shaibani stated that Syrian-Turkish relations have witnessed rapid expansion in recent times.

He explained that the discussions covered issues regarding energy, trade, the return of displaced persons, education, and culture, as well as the activation of the High-Level Joint Committee, co-chaired by the two foreign ministers supported by a permanent secretariat and specialized sectoral committees to monitor the implementation of decisions.

Al-Shaibani noted that Damascus aims to increase the volume of trade with Ankara from approximately $4 billion last year to $10 billion, while also developing joint border industrial zones and enhancing cooperation in the energy and transport sectors.

Regarding security, Al-Shaibani emphasized the need to build a unified national army and restrict the possession of weapons to state institutions. Meanwhile, Fidan underscored the necessity of integrating all armed elements under the state umbrella, stressing Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The two ministers addressed the Israeli escalation in southern Syria; Al-Shaibani reaffirmed Damascus's insistence on the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the lines held prior to December 8, 2024, and adherence to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, while emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic approach.

Fidan condemned the Israeli attacks, describing Israeli policies as a major obstacle to stability and positive developments in Syria, and citing the targeting of Abu al-Duhur Airport as a clear example.

Fidan also affirmed his country's support for efforts to lift restrictions on Syria's integration into the global economy, noting Ankara's aspiration to increase investment and trade between the two nations and to bolster regional connectivity projects, including a railway line linking Türkiye to Saudi Arabia via Syria.

ANHA