Shibani and Fidan Discuss Ways to Strengthen Syria-Turkey Relations

ARK News.. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said Syria highly values Turkey’s principled position, particularly its clear condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syria.

Al-Shibani received Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Damascus on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and activate the joint high-level committee between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed several issues of mutual interest and reviewed the latest regional developments. The two ministers stressed the importance of continued consultation and coordination and supporting efforts aimed at strengthening security and consolidating stability in the region.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Fidan at Tishreen Palace in Damascus, al-Shibani said Syria’s position toward the current escalation was “firm and resolute,” centered on the necessity of Israel’s withdrawal to the lines that existed before December 8, 2024, and full adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

He said Syria remained committed to the diplomatic option, citing its understanding of the cost of wars and its desire to deny what he described as any pretexts sought by the aggressor.

Al-Shibani said Syria highly appreciated Turkey’s principled stance, reflected in its explicit condemnation of the attacks, calls for implementation of the 1974 agreement, and firm support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He added that Syria was now exercising its full sovereignty in shaping its national path freely, choosing its partnerships and directing investment and development policies based on its national interests.

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Syrian-Turkish relations had made unprecedented progress over the past two years following the fall of the former regime. He said Syria was witnessing significant improvements not only in its relations with Turkey but also in its ties with the international community as a whole.

Fidan said regional countries and the international community had not merely supported the Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa but had also shown appreciation for it, adding that Damascus was making serious efforts to develop relations with the international community, the region, and Turkey across various fields.

He said Turkey was seeing Syria prosper and grow economically day by day while gradually healing from the wounds of war, describing this as positive not only for the Syrian people but for the entire region.

Fidan also said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan would visit Syria “very soon,” describing the visit as important and saying that it would include a review of decisions and steps taken by the joint coordination committee.

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