Vidan and Al-Shaybani Affirm from Ankara: We Will Not Allow the Division of Syria
In a significant diplomatic move, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Vidan and the Foreign Minister of the new Syrian administration, Asaad Al-Shaybani, held a press conference in Ankara on Wednesday evening. They strongly affirmed that both Ankara and Damascus would not permit the division of Syria.
Hakan Vidan stated:
- We have extensively discussed political, humanitarian, security, and military issues, involving Defense Ministers and intelligence chiefs.
- A comprehensive policy must be formulated for Syria, embracing all components of the Syrian people.
- We support the efforts of the new Syrian administration to meet the demands of all Syrian factions.
- It’s our duty to support the Syrian people to stand on their own and believe in themselves.
- We have managed to alleviate some sanctions on Syria and are discussing this file with the European Union.
- The international community must play a significant role in facilitating the return of Syrian refugees.
- We have reopened our embassy in Damascus and will soon open a consulate in Aleppo.
- The Syrian regime has historically exported terrorism, and there’s no place for the Kurdish People’s Protection Units in Syria’s future.
- We stand with the new Syrian administration in combating terrorism and are ready to offer all our expertise in fighting ISIS.
- We discussed developing relations to advanced stages in all sectors in detail.
- There are many steps we can take together in the future.
- Turkey is ready to provide support to Syria in all areas.
- We are at the beginning of a new phase, sensing the Syrian side’s will to rebuild and restructure institutions.
- There are issues related to continuous coordination between Turkish and Syrian institutions across different sectors.
- Returning refugees to their homes is our priority, but we must set a goal and proceed gradually and systematically.
- We agree on the necessity of fighting terrorist organizations and have expressed our readiness to provide intelligence.
Asaad Al-Shaybani added:
- Syria and Turkey have begun a new history built on brotherhood and enhancing stability in Syria and the region.
- We have started rebuilding the country and its institutions.
- We emphasize the need for Syrian unity.
- Syria belongs to all Syrians, not just one faction.
- The previous regime turned the country into a source of instability and a threat to its neighbors.
- Syria’s return to its active role will secure and stabilize the region.
- We are opening a new chapter with Syria’s regional and international surroundings.
- We will not allow Syrian territory to be used to threaten Turkey’s security.
- The new administration believes our lands should not be a source of threat against Turkey.
- We are working to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy, expecting results soon.
- Syria will return to its natural status, and we will not allow its division.
- The unity of Syrian territory is crucial, and we want all our lands under one central government.
This joint statement underscores a new era of cooperation aimed at not only stabilizing Syria but also ensuring the unity of its territory amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
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