Damascus: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced an upcoming visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Syria. Speaking at a press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, Fidan stated, “President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Syria soon,” highlighting the recent momentum in relations between the two nations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this announcement signifies a new phase for Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with efforts underway to strengthen cooperation with the international community, regional countries, and Turkey. Fidan noted that Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during the NATO summit in Ankara, initiated plans to form a joint group to address bilateral issues efficiently.

Fidan elaborated on Syria’s economic progress and the healing process from war-inflicted wounds. He also highlighted the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) decision to dissolve and integrate into Syrian state institutions as an important development. Fidan emphasized the importance of implementing this integration swiftly to reinforce Syria’s sovereignty and unity.

Fidan further explained that all armed groups formed during the war are being integrated into the national army, a move crucial for Syria’s stability and national cohesion. He stressed Turkey’s support for these initiatives and the necessity for Syrians to live with equal citizenship, free from persecution.

He underscored the integration process’s goal to enhance the safety and prosperity of Kurdish citizens, reflecting Turkey’s perspective. Fidan reiterated President Erdogan’s commitment to the well-being and security of Kurdish communities in Syria and Iraq.

Fidan also discussed Syria’s progress in the global economy, citing the U.S. decision to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which he believes is a significant step for economic reintegration.

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz’s impact on the economy, Fidan emphasized Syria’s strategic connections and ongoing infrastructure projects, including a railway linking the Gulf to Europe, which Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Syria are collaboratively pursuing.

Regarding southern Syria, Fidan identified Israel as a destabilizing force, citing recent attacks such as the one on the Abu al-Duhur airbase. He stressed that Israel’s actions hinder Syria’s positive developments and indirectly support terrorist organizations by targeting Syrian military capabilities.

The Turkish Foreign Minister concluded by affirming Syria’s sovereign rights to territorial security and development, while highlighting the detrimental impact of Israeli attacks on international counter-terrorism efforts.