The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has underscored the importance of international cooperation in aiding Syria’s gradual recovery from years of devastating conflict. Speaking to a local television channel on Saturday, Fidan highlighted that while investments are slowly beginning to materialize, the destruction across the country remains extensive.
Fidan stated, “Investments in Syria are gradually starting to take shape, but the scale of destruction is enormous.” He emphasized that the return of displaced individuals necessitates the establishment of infrastructure to provide essential services.
International Collaboration
The Turkish Foreign Minister expressed optimism about joint efforts involving regional countries, as well as European and US partners, which are crucial for laying the groundwork for reconstruction. Despite the positive steps, he acknowledged that significant challenges still lie ahead.
Addressing concerns raised by European and American officials regarding the current administration’s control over Syrian territory, Fidan asserted that Türkiye believes a substantial degree of control has been established. Nevertheless, he noted that some areas remain problematic.
Fidan identified regions controlled by the PKK/YPG-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as critical points of concern. He referred to outstanding issues in these areas that must be resolved in line with the March 10 agreement, aimed at integrating the SDF into state institutions to prevent further conflict.
Security Concerns
Fidan characterized southern Syria as particularly risky, stating, “The south is perhaps our biggest risk area at the moment.” He explained that although the situation is manageable, increased Israeli military activity raises concerns that require vigilant monitoring. Reports indicate that Israeli incursions have intensified since the ousting of Bashar Assad last December.
In a bid to facilitate recovery, Türkiye is implementing various projects within Syria. Fidan highlighted the strong geographical and economic ties between the two nations, stating, “There is significant potential in terms of trade, transportation, and connectivity. But first, stability needs to be restored within the country.”
As the situation evolves, the emphasis on cooperation among nations is seen as vital to addressing the multiple layers of challenges facing Syria. The broader international community’s involvement will be essential in ensuring a sustainable path towards recovery and stability in the region.
