Turkey will reopen its embassy in Damascus, a major step towards normalizing relations with Syria, announced Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
“The embassy staff are en route and will begin operations tomorrow,” Fidan told that.
The move comes after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime earlier this month, following a rapid advance by anti-regime forces. Assad fled to Russia, bringing an end to Syria’s 13-year civil war and over five decades of his family’s rule.
Fidan credited Turkey’s diplomacy, along with Russia and Iran, for facilitating a peaceful transition in Syria. He stated that the newly established Syrian government is now capable of regaining its territory and countering threats like the PKK/YPG, which Turkey regards as a terrorist group.
Hakan Fidan said that “Our priority remains the elimination of the YPG. They must disband themselves or face dissolution.”
He praised the new administration’s efforts in restoring stability and essential services, adding that these advancements will encourage more Syrians to return home.
“As conditions improve, we expect the number of returns to rise significantly,” he noted.
Fidan also addressed regional concerns, particularly Israel’s actions in Syria, accusing it of a “destabilizing strategy” in the Golan Heights. He called on Israel to cease such activities and urged all regional players to support Syria’s unity and recovery.
He emphasized the need for an inclusive government in Syria, free of terrorism, that respects minority rights and provides essential services.
“No one should engage in actions that threaten regional stability, undermine Syria’s unity, or involve weapons of mass destruction,” Fidan said, appealing to Arab nations and the global community to work collaboratively with Syria.
“Let’s address these issues together, fostering peace and unity in Syria,” he urged.
The reopening of Turkey’s embassy marks a shift in Ankara’s approach from confrontation to cooperation and reflects broader regional realignments after years of conflict.
Fidan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining stability, while also pressing Western nations to repatriate Daesh prisoners and address their own citizens’ responsibilities.
Moving forward, Turkey aims to align its strategic objectives with support for Syria’s sovereignty, peace, and development, Fidan concluded.
