Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani spoke at a joint press conference with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara. Shaibani said that a united Syria free of terrorism and illegal armed groups would be the most reliable guarantee for protecting the shared borders with Türkiye.
Shaibani said such a Syria would make the greatest contribution possible to the security of neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of strengthening his country’s territorial integrity and state institutions.
Türkiye-Syria cooperation
The Syrian foreign minister emphasized the importance of the process to establish a high-level strategic cooperation council between Türkiye and Syria. He said the mechanism would address the two countries’ shared agenda and opportunities for cooperation in various fields.
Shaibani said trade and economic cooperation, along with joint economic projects, were among the priority areas. He noted that the reactivation of economic and trade agreements, as well as recent steps taken by the two countries’ central banks, had laid the groundwork for reviving economic and financial ties.
Shaibani also addressed the Türkiye-Syria-Jordan-Saudi Arabia railway project, saying the line would not only create a geographic and economic bridge among the four countries but also strengthen diplomatic relations.
Security and combating armed groups
Shaibani said Damascus and Ankara viewed ensuring stability on the ground and successfully combating terrorism as the foundation of their bilateral partnership. He said steps were being taken to eliminate illegal armed groups as part of efforts to strengthen state institutions and authority in Syria.
Shaibani said Damascus was coordinating with Ankara in line with shared national interests, and called on the countries of the region to strengthen security cooperation, military coordination and political coordination.
Attacks on southern Syria
Shaibani condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on southern Syria, saying they targeted Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while also posing a threat to regional stability.
Shaibani called for a return to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and for Israeli forces to withdraw to the positions they held before December 8, 2024. He called on the international community to comply with international law and help preserve stability in Syria and the region.
The Syrian foreign minister said efforts to establish stability in the north of the country were continuing, while diplomatic initiatives to end the Israeli attacks in the south were also ongoing.
Assessment of the Israel-Iran conflict
Shaibani also addressed the war between Israel and Iran, saying the clashes in the region should end as soon as possible. Shaibani said the escalation was also negatively affecting Syria and condemned Iran’s attacks on the Gulf countries.
