Turkish Foreign Minister visits Syria to discuss security and regional stability

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Damascus on September 13, 2026, where he accused Israel of attempting to destabilize Syria. During a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, Fidan labeled Israeli policies as the primary obstacle to regional peace, specifically citing strikes that disabled the Abu Dhulur airbase one month prior. Israel had justified those strikes as a response to alleged Turkish attempts to establish a military presence at the facility, an accusation that Ankara officially denies.

In subsequent discussions on September 14, Fidan emphasized the necessity for all remaining armed groups in Syria, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to be integrated into state structures and the national army to ensure long-term stability. While welcoming recent announcements regarding the restructuring of the SDF, the Turkish minister insisted that these initiatives must be implemented on the ground without delay to secure Syria's territorial integrity. Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani reaffirmed that Damascus remains committed to a diplomatic resolution regarding these matters. Reports indicate that further diplomatic steps, including a potential visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Syria, are currently being planned.