Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mauritania, Burhan Koroglu, has been appointed as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. This temporary role emphasizes Türkiye’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations in Syria, particularly following the embassy’s previous operational challenges during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011.
On Thursday, Türkiye announced the appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu, who was previously serving as Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mauritania, as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. This temporary assignment reflects Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to maintain its diplomatic presence in Syria. Turkish diplomatic sources confirmed that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan personally communicated this new role to Ambassador Koroglu, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic position during a period of sustained tension and change in the region.
The Turkish Embassy in Damascus has a complex history, having operated throughout the Syrian civil unrest that began in 2011. Initially, the embassy continued its activities despite the regime’s violent response to peaceful demonstrations. However, operations were suspended on March 26, 2012, leading to the return of the embassy staff and their families to Türkiye. Despite this, the Syrian Consulate General in Istanbul has remained operational, reflecting a different diplomatic approach between the two nations.
Ambassador Koroglu’s new role is significant as it indicates Türkiye’s commitment to sustaining its diplomatic presence amidst the ongoing challenges in Syria. His experience and previous oversight of the Turkish diplomatic mission in Mauritania may prove beneficial as he navigates the complexities of the current political landscape in Syria.
This article discusses the appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. It outlines the historical context of Türkiye’s diplomatic activity in Syria, particularly during the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. The embassy’s operational history includes a suspension of activities due to escalating violence, contrasting with the continued operation of the Syrian consulate in Istanbul. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping Türkiye’s current diplomatic posture within the region.
In summary, the appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus underscores Türkiye’s emphasis on maintaining diplomatic relations in a challenging environment. With the embassy’s previous history of operations during the Syrian civil unrest, this assignment is pivotal in addressing the ongoing complexities of Turkish-Syrian relations while demonstrating Türkiye’s enduring presence in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
