Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Engages with Turkish President Amid Ongoing Clashes

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met President Erdogan in Turkey amid Latakia clashes. This visit marks al-Shaibani’s first official engagement since his appointment and reflects Turkey’s support for the Syrian people during the ongoing conflict. Tensions persist in Syria, with recent clashes highlighting security challenges, especially in the northeast.

Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a significant diplomatic visit amid ongoing clashes in Latakia. This marked al-Shaibani’s first official visit since his appointment following the fall of the Assad regime. His delegation included Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab, and the discussions were held behind closed doors at Ankara’s presidential complex.

Al-Shaibani expressed his intent to represent a “new Syria” during this historic meeting, thanking Turkey for its unwavering support for the Syrian people over the past 14 years. Turkey has been a crucial ally, backing opposition forces against President Bashar al-Assad and intervening militarily in the conflict, particularly against Kurdish groups since 2016. Al-Shaibani aims to strengthen ties with Turkey as part of a broader Middle East diplomatic effort.

During his visit, al-Shaibani was scheduled to confer with Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Intelligence Director Ibrahim Kalin. Tensions in Syria continue, highlighted by recent skirmishes in Latakia where clashes arose between pro-Assad forces and the Syrian interim government.

These recent clashes led to the death of two members of Syria’s Military Security Department, with seven others being captured but later freed. The Syrian authorities are conducting operations across various provinces to suppress remaining Assad loyalists and secure weapon caches from the previous regime.

In a separate conflict in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) repelled an offensive from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) near the strategic Tishrin Dam. The SDF reported that at least 18 SNA fighters were killed, amidst escalating violence in the region, which remains crucial for Syria’s hydroelectric power generation. The ongoing battles have resulted in heavy casualties, with approximately 280 fighters reportedly killed in recent weeks across the northeast.

The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has evolved through numerous phases marked by widespread violence and international intervention. Turkey, a key player in the region, has provided substantial support to opposition groups against Assad’s regime and has conducted military campaigns aimed specifically at Kurdish forces since 2016. The recent meeting between al-Shaibani and Erdogan reflects ongoing efforts to solidify diplomatic relations and present a united front against remnants of the Assad government. The situation remains perilous, especially with ongoing clashes highlighting fragile security in regions like Latakia and northeast Syria, critical due to their resources and strategic positioning.

In conclusion, the diplomatic meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscores significant ongoing relations between Turkey and the Syrian interim government amid the backdrop of clashes against pro-Assad forces in Latakia. With Turkey’s long-standing support crucial for the opposition’s survival, al-Shaibani’s visit signals a potential shift towards a more structured collaboration aimed at post-Assad recovery. Simultaneously, escalating violence in northeastern Syria stresses the urgent need for stability and peace in the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com