In a notable breakthrough area of diplomacy, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan went to Damascus on Sunday and met Syrian new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, an event that observers describe as a worse moment for regional relations and Syria’s future reconstruction.
Embraced in a symbolic gesture of new amity, the meeting took place under circumstances much different from the one it marked as a dramatic turn-around in previously frosty Turkish-Syrian relations now that political changes have occurred in Damascus. This warm reception is absolutely in contrast with years of tension that was between Turkiye and the old Syrian leadership.
“Today’s meeting signals the introduction of a new chapter in our shared history, said Dr. Mehmet Yilmaz, Turkish diplomatic analyst, participant in the talks. “The body language between the two leaders spoke volumes about their willingness of forging constructive future relationship.” At their joint press conference, Fidan’s comments took on a special significance, for he pledged does the Turkish backing for Syria’s arduous transition process. He said, “The darkest hour of Syria is over”, and his tone showed the real hope for Turkish-Syrian relationship.
The meeting, which took place in Damascus’s historic diplomatic quarter, focused heavily on practical steps toward Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into the international community. Both of the leaders highlighted that the imperative is urgent to lift sanctions that exceed Syria’s borders that still prevent Sharia reform.
Each day that these sanctions remain unaddressed is another day that Syrian families are struggling to heal],” says Sarah Hassan, regional economic expert. The call to their removal encapsulates the growing awareness that stability in Syria alone can be in the interest of the entire region.
The Turkish foreign minister’s visit, announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan just two days earlier, represented more than just diplomatic protocol. It indicated Turkiye’s preparedness to take the lead in Syria’s rebuilding and political stabilization.
Discussions in the meeting rooms revolved around the type of actions required in rebuilding Syrian infrastructure as well as in facilitating the return of refugees. The emphasis was clearly for practical solutions,” revealed a source at the talks on condition of anonymity because of the diplomatic sensitivity.
For the Syrians watching such events unfold, the session triggered mixed emotions. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Mohammed Khalil, a Damascus businessman. Following years of fighting, it is gratifying to see international backing for the restoration efforts of our land and it provides us with a reason to see our way through.
The visual of Fidan and al-Sharaa shaking hands and embracing, widely shared by Turkish media, carried powerful symbolism in a region where personal gestures often carry significant diplomatic weight. Their body language showed the troubled history of mistrust and the push to move forward together.
Exiting the meeting, both presidents restated their determination to territorial integrity of Syria and the necessity of regional stability. The continued support promised by the Turkish foreign minister, and his appeal for international help to rebuild Syria, gives sense of the beginnings of a new era of regional diplomacy to be emerging.
The effectiveness of this diplomatic work could have far-reaching consequences on Syria’s future as a nation and the stability of the Region, because before both countries they mean to make visible thanks to their better relationship what they have so far been having–in practice, concrete benefits for the citizens of Syria and Iraq.
