Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Israel is pursuing "a policy to destabilize our region" while pledging Türkiye's continued support for Syria's fight against terrorist organizations during his third visit to Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime.
"As Türkiye, we will continue to support Syria's struggle against terrorist organizations," Fidan said in a statement on his social media account following meetings in Syria.
"Israel is pursuing a policy to destabilize our region," he noted.
Fidan made his statement on Thursday after completing his third visit to Damascus in the nine months since the Assad regime was overthrown.
"Today (Aug. 7), I visited Damascus for the third time within nine months after the fall of the Assad regime. With each visit, I personally witness the progress Syria has made in many areas," Fidan said.
"Under the leadership of our President and Syrian President (Ahmad al-) Sharaa, we are determined to deepen cooperation between Türkiye and Syria in all areas," he added.
During his meeting with Sharaa, Fidan said they had the opportunity to address many issues, including trade, investment, transportation and energy.
"We evaluated the steps that can be taken at bilateral and regional levels for Syria's reconstruction. In our discussions, we particularly focused on security issues. We concentrated on internal and external threats to Syria's sovereignty and political unity. As Türkiye, we will continue to support Syria's struggle against terrorist organizations," Fidan stated.
"We also emphasized once again our readiness to provide necessary assistance to the Syrian Government in the responsibilities it can undertake in the context of management and security of camps in northeastern Syria. In our discussions, we also addressed Israel's activities targeting Syria," Fidan said.
Fidan also noted that the Syrian people want to take advantage of the historic opportunity they have seized to build a better future.
"The Syrian Government is simultaneously struggling with many challenges for the country to be more secure, stable and prosperous. The international community, particularly the United States and European countries, is providing significant support to overcome these problems," he added.
"Israel, however, is pursuing a policy to destabilize our region. Not allowing Israel's policies to pass is the joint responsibility of the international community. As Türkiye, we will continue to stand by the Syrian people and support their legitimate expectations and will," Fidan stated.
Fidan concluded by saying they evaluated steps that could be taken at bilateral and regional levels for Syria's reconstruction, with discussions particularly focusing on security matters and threats to Syria's sovereignty and political unity.