DAMASCUS, Dec 23 (NNN-SANA) – Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, met here yesterday, to discuss refugee returns, economic cooperation and regional security, Syrian state media, Al-Ikhbariya TV, reported.
At a joint press conference, al-Shibani said, they discussed counter-terrorism efforts, measures to prevent the resurgence of the Daesh group, and the development of a shared vision for north-eastern Syria.
He said, the March agreement, signed between the Syrian interim government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to integrate the north-east into a unified Syria, reflects the country’s determination to accelerate integration and unify its territory “in a civilised manner.” He stressed that, any delay in implementing the agreement and integrating the Kurdish-led SDF would be unjust to the region and its residents.
He added that, threats to Syria’s stability also endanger Türkiye’s security, underscoring the interconnected security interests of the two neighbours. Al-Shibani also said, the Jazira region is an integral part of Syria and must be fully integrated into a unified state.
For his part, Fidan said, Syria’s current leadership has proposed a governance model that contributes to regional stability.
He noted significant progress in improving security and stability, adding that, lifting sanctions under the Caesar Act represents an important step towards regional stability, and is expected to facilitate substantial foreign investment in Syria.
Fidan highlighted Syria’s role in the international coalition against the Daesh, emphasising that, countering the group remains a key priority. He said, the two sides also discussed energy cooperation, as well as, regional, trade, and economic relations.– NNN-SANA