Turkish foreign minister calls his visit to Syria a step toward a hopeful future

‘This visit, which we are making after many years, will be the first step of a new, hopeful era for the people of Syria,’ says Hakan Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Sunday that his visit to Syria marked the beginning of a new and hopeful era for its people. In a post on his X social media account, Fidan shared details of his meeting earlier in the day with Ahmed al Sharaa, the leader of the new Syrian administration, in Damascus. “This visit, which we are making after many years, will be the first step of a new, hopeful era for the people of Syria,” he said. Fidan emphasized that Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, has remained committed to supporting the Syrian people. He highlighted that Türkiye would continue to assist Syria in various areas, noting the country’s readiness to offer help wherever it is needed. "Our priority for Syria is to ensure stability and security in the country, eliminate terrorism, reach national reconciliation, achieve economic development and create the conditions that will enable Syrians, who have been separated from their country for years, to return to their homeland,” he said. Fidan also reaffirmed Ankara's support for the creation of a secure, free and prosperous Syria. “I truly believe that our Syrian brothers, whom I have personally witnessed fighting for 14 years, are waiting for better days,” he said.