Ankara: Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya discussed with his Syrian counterpart, Anas Khattab, opportunities for cooperation between the two ministries, particularly in the security field. The Turkish Minister stated in a post on the X platform that during his meeting today with Anas Khattab in the capital, Ankara, he discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the two ministries, particularly in the security field and providing the necessary support to the Syrian Ministry of Interior and its affiliated units.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the two sides also discussed the exchange of expertise and the implementation of an intensive training program, as well as cooperation on the issue of the return of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey. For his part, Khattab said that he discussed with his Turkish counterpart “ways to enhance security cooperation between Syria and Turkey and discussed mechanisms to support and develop Syrian security institutions by benefiting from the expertise of Turkish institutions.”
Khattab indicated that during the meeting, the situation of Syrians residing in Turkey was discussed, and they affirmed their shared commitment to ensuring their safe and dignified return to their homeland and facilitating the affairs of the residents. The Syrian Minister also met in Ankara with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, where they emphasized the importance of enhancing security in Syria to consolidate internal peace, economic development, and social welfare.
During the meeting, Yilmaz said, “Turkey will continue to support Syria’s stability, develop its institutional capacities, and support its inclusive administration that includes all segments of society.” Yilmaz expressed his hope for “the creation of an environment that enables our Syrian brothers to enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms on an equal footing under an inclusive and legitimate government.” He also emphasized that Turkey will continue its strong support for Syria’s stability, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.