Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Engages Turkish Leadership Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with Turkish President Erdogan during his first official visit since his appointment, focusing on Turkey’s continued support for the Syrian people. The visit coincided with recent clashes involving pro-Assad forces in Latakia and ongoing conflicts between Kurdish-led forces and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army in northeast Syria, highlighting the instability in the region.

Asaad al-Shaibani, the interim Foreign Minister of Syria, visited Turkey to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, marking his first official visit since his appointment. In a closed-door meeting, al-Shaibani expressed his intention to represent a “new Syria” during this significant diplomatic engagement, reflecting Turkey’s enduring support for the Syrian population over the past 14 years. Al-Shaibani was accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab, further emphasizing the importance of this meeting.

During this visit, al-Shaibani discussed the ongoing conflict in Syria, particularly the clashes in Latakia between pro-Assad forces and the new Syrian government. Recent incidents included the killing and kidnapping of Syrian Military Security Department members, which escalated tensions in the area. Syrian authorities have been active in reclaiming control and dismantling remnants of the regime by seizing weapons caches and targeting remaining Assad loyalists.

In northeast Syria, tensions continue as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) repelled an assault by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) near the strategic Tishrin Dam. This confrontation resulted in significant casualties for the SNA, illustrating the ongoing volatility in the region. The territory has been critical for hydroelectric power, making control over these areas vital for both military and economic interests in Syria.

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has seen Turkey support opposition forces against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Turkey has actively intervened militarily since 2016, particularly against Kurdish groups, while maintaining relations with various rebel factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This recent meeting with Syria’s interim Foreign Minister highlights an ongoing effort to establish a working alliance with the Syrian interim government to aid in post-Assad recovery amidst the continuing conflict.

The diplomatic meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish officials illustrates the intricate dynamics of support Turkey has provided to the Syrian opposition over the years. As conflict persists in various regions of Syria, particularly in Latakia and northeast Syria, understanding the geopolitical shifts and alliances remains critical to analyzing the potential future development of the region. The situation remains fluid, with both Turkey and interim Syrian authorities seeking to solidify their positions.

Original Source: www.newarab.com