Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani Engages with Turkey’s Leadership

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited Turkey for discussions with President Erdogan and Turkish officials. This visit marks an important diplomatic moment following al-Shaibani’s recent appointment. Clashes continue in Latakia and northern Syria, highlighting ongoing tensions amid conflict over control and remaining loyalties within the region.

On Wednesday, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani conducted his inaugural official visit to Turkey, where he engaged with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the presidential complex in Ankara. This visit is a significant diplomatic step for al-Shaibani, who was appointed following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The discussions took place privately, underscoring the sensitivity of the ongoing geopolitical situation in the region.

Al-Shaibani expressed his intent to demonstrate Syria’s new political stance by stating, “We will represent the new Syria tomorrow in the first official visit to the Turkish republic, which has not abandoned the Syrian people for 14 years.” Turkey has played a pivotal role in supporting opposition groups against the Assad regime since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 and has maintained collaborative efforts with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels.

The initial clashes between pro-Assad factions and the newly established Syrian government erupted in Latakia following the reported abduction and killing of military personnel from the Military Security Department. The conflict escalated with the rescue operation coordinated by the interim authorities, leading to the demise of a key figure threatening the captives. This incident further reflects the ongoing strife as remnants of the Assad regime confront the current Syrian administration.

In the northeast, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) successfully repelled an offensive by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) in the vicinity of the Tishrin Dam. At least 18 combatants from the SNA were reported killed, highlighting the ongoing unrest in the region, where control over strategic resources remains contested. The SDF utilized countermeasures against aerial threats, emphasizing the complexity of military engagements in this volatile area.

The diplomatic engagement between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish officials comes against a backdrop of a protracted civil conflict that has resulted in significant power shifts within Syria. Turkey has been a crucial ally to various opposition factions aiming to dismantle the Assad regime, advocating for humanitarian support across the region. With al-Assad ousted, Turkey aims to strengthen ties with the interim government, aiding in its recovery and stabilization efforts moving forward. Concurrently, clashes in regions like Latakia and North-East Syria illustrate ongoing tensions surrounding military allegiances and geopolitical interests.

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Turkey symbolizes a potential shift in diplomatic relations following the turbulence of the civil war. The meeting signifies Turkey’s continuing support for the new Syrian government amid ongoing clashes with Assad-aligned forces and challenges from Kurdish groups. As various factions engage in conflict over strategic territories, the future of Syria’s political and military landscape remains uncertain.

Original Source: www.newarab.com