Turkish FM Meets Syrian Interim President in Damascus Amid Regional Security Talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation amid Syria's ongoing efforts to unify and stabilize the country following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The talks focused on regional developments, counterterrorism efforts against groups like ISIL, PKK, and YPG, and boosting reconstruction and economic recovery, including a recent $5 billion infrastructure deal involving Turkish firms to expand Damascus International Airport. Ankara remains critical of Israeli military interventions in Syria and is concerned about the influence of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it regards as terrorist-linked, despite SDF's status as a U.S. ally against ISIS. Turkish officials accused the SDF of not honoring an agreement to integrate with Syrian government forces, stressing Ankara's commitment to supporting Syria's political unity and territorial integrity. The meeting also aimed to capitalize on emerging opportunities for cooperation to promote stability and security in Syria, with high-level visits between the two countries continuing to strengthen ties. These developments unfold amid heightened tensions in northern and southern Syria, including clashes involving Druze and Bedouin groups and ongoing security challenges in the northeast.