Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Turkish President Erdogan during a significant diplomatic visit amidst ongoing clashes in Latakia. The discussions reflect Turkey’s historical support for Syrian opposition forces and aim to strengthen relationships with the new Syrian administration. Tensions continue in northeastern Syria as Kurdish and Turkish-backed factions engage in violent confrontations over strategic areas.
On Wednesday, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani engaged in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during his initial official visit post-Assad regime’s collapse. The meeting took place in a private setting at Ankara’s presidential complex, with al-Shaibani accompanied by Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab.
Prior to the visit, al-Shaibani branded it a representation of a “new Syria” in a post on X, emphasizing Turkey’s steadfast support for the Syrian populace over the past 14 years. Turkey has been an ally to opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad amid the ongoing Syrian Civil War while also partaking in military actions, particularly against Kurdish factions since 2016.
During his tenure, al-Shaibani has committed to cultivating strategic relations with the Syrian interim administration and assisting in recovery efforts following the Assad regime’s fall. He has embarked on diplomatic tours across the Middle East, with prior visits to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the UAE since his appointment on December 21, 2023.
Amidst these diplomatic engagements, clashes erupted in Latakia between forces loyal to Assad and the Syrian interim government, following the deaths of two members of Syria’s Military Security Department. The caretaker authorities successfully liberated the abducted personnel, retaliating against the pro-Assad faction.
In a related context, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a successful defense against a Turkish-backed offensive near the Tishrin Dam in northeastern Syria. The conflict has claimed the lives of numerous fighters as competing factions vie for control of strategic areas crucial for Syria’s hydroelectric power generation.
The ongoing Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has seen Turkey play a pivotal role by supporting opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The recent meeting between Turkey and Syrian officials indicates a shift towards establishing diplomatic ties and collaboration with the Syrian interim government, reflecting Turkey’s long-standing engagement and military involvement in the region. Furthermore, conflicts in northeast Syria continue to demonstrate the complexity of power dynamics, especially with competing Kurdish and Turkish-backed forces vying for strategic control.
In conclusion, the meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marks a significant step in forging closer ties between Turkey and the Syrian interim government. The backdrop of ongoing clashes illustrates the volatile situation within Syria, highlighting the complexities of military and diplomatic relations as various factions continue to vie for influence in a post-Assad landscape.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
