Turkish Foreign Minister Meets Syria’s New Leader, Urges Lifting of Sanctions

In a pivotal diplomatic meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Damascus to engage with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling a fresh chapter in the war-torn country’s political and humanitarian landscape. The discussions focused on fostering unity, rebuilding Syria, and advocating for the removal of international sanctions, following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Fidan’s visit came just two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the minister’s trip to Damascus to address the evolving political structure in Syria. Images shared by the Turkish Foreign Ministry depicted a warm exchange between Fidan and al-Sharaa, highlighting the significance of the meeting.
During a joint press conference, Fidan expressed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria through its political transition and reconstruction efforts. “We will continue to stand by your side. Hopefully, the darkest days of Syria are behind us, and better days lie ahead,” Fidan stated. He called for the immediate lifting of sanctions on Syria, urging the global community to mobilize resources to aid the country’s recovery and facilitate the return of displaced Syrians.
Al-Sharaa, making his first public appearance since assuming power two weeks ago, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized the urgency of lifting economic sanctions, describing them as remnants of a bygone regime. “Now the predator has gone, and only the victims remain. It is time for these sanctions to be removed so that we can move our country forward,” he declared.
The discussions extended beyond sanctions to address critical issues such as drafting a new constitution that safeguards minority rights, the plight of Syrian refugees, alleged Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty, and concerns regarding the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG).
Al-Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, underscored the need for swift international action. “Some of these sanctions date back to the 1970s, imposed under a regime that ruled for over 50 years. It is imperative to act decisively and lift these sanctions to facilitate progress,” he stated.
This meeting represents a significant step in Turkey’s engagement with Syria’s new administration, as both nations navigate the complexities of post-conflict recovery and regional stability. The emphasis on lifting sanctions and addressing longstanding issues signals a potential shift in international attitudes toward Syria, offering a glimmer of hope for its future.