Turkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, recently met with Syria’s de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus to discuss political transitions and rebuilding efforts in war-ravaged Syria post the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Fidan expressed Turkiye’s commitment to supporting Syria and advocated for the lifting of international sanctions against the country to aid its recovery.
Al-Sharaa, who recently assumed power after toppling al-Assad and leading the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, echoed the call for the removal of sanctions, emphasizing the need for swift action to move the country forward. The two officials also discussed drafting a new Syrian constitution to safeguard minority rights, including Kurds, Christians, Alawites, and Druze.
Furthermore, Fidan’s visit coincided with Turkiye-backed Syrian fighters clashing with the Kurdish YPG group in northeast Syria, a contentious issue for Ankara. Turkiye has historically supported opposition forces against al-Assad and hosts millions of Syrian refugees, hoping for their repatriation.
Regarding minority representation, al-Sharaa assured Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt that all religious and ethnic groups would be fairly represented in the new Syrian government. Jumblatt, a long-time critic of the al-Assad regime, praised the Syrian people for overcoming oppression and tyranny, signaling a potential shift in Lebanon-Syria relations.
Al-Sharaa’s commitments to minority protection and fair representation aim to address concerns about the new administration’s inclusivity. The meetings between Fidan, al-Sharaa, and Jumblatt mark diplomatic efforts to stabilize Syria and foster regional cooperation.
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