Newsletters
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani warned on Wednesday that repeated Israeli threats continue to target Syrian sovereignty and endanger citizens' safety during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Wednesday.
Al-Shaibani highlighted ongoing foreign interventions in Syria, describing some as "direct and seeking to weaken the Syrian state and create a fragile division."
"Like in previous years, Israel's repeated threats have targeted Syria's sovereignty and endangered our citizens' safety," al-Shaibani said during the press conference at the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Recalling that war had dominated his country for many years, al-Shaibani noted that they are experiencing great difficulties in terms of infrastructure and institutions. The Syrian foreign minister emphasized that his country continues to face new challenges today as well.
Addressing recent developments in Suwayda province, al-Shaibani said, "What is happening in Suwayda is happening in Syria, of course; it is happening against our people. Our state is responsible for them. What is happening in Syria is being created by Israel."
Al-Shaibani dismissed Israeli claims about the Druze community's status in Syria, emphasizing that Syria wants a peace process and noting Suweida's historical importance.
"The Druze are part of Syrian society, and there is no intent to exclude them in any way. Israel is putting this forward," al-Shaibani stated.
He added that "what happened in Suweida was instigated by Israel to sow sectarian discord in the region." The foreign minister said Syrian leadership maintains a regular dialogue with Druze community leaders and stressed the need for reason to prevail.
Al-Shaibani warned that external forces seek to divide Syria, pointing to direct and indirect external factors. He said efforts are being made to ensure regional stability.
"Syria's division is desired," he said, emphasizing that these attempts aim to create sectarian and ideological division.
"We share many common interests and threats with Türkiye, and caution against supporting chaos in Syria," al-Shaibani noted during the joint appearance with his Turkish counterpart.
Both foreign ministers emphasized the importance of coordination on security and military matters to safeguard borders and combat terrorism.
Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan said relations between Syria and neighboring countries, including Türkiye, have made "qualitative leaps" in recent months despite opposition from actors seeking to obstruct Syria's development.
"We are working with Syria to find solutions to current challenges, eliminate conspiracies, remove obstacles, and advance all areas, particularly the economy, to create conditions suitable for the return of refugees," Fidan said.
Al-Shaibani strongly criticized the "Hasakah Conference" held in the province under PKK/YPG terrorist organization control, which uses the name SDF in Syria.
"The Hasakah Conference does not represent the Syrian people and was a failed initiative," al-Shaibani said, adding that the conference tried to exploit the events in Suwayda.
He emphasized that the conference constituted a violation of the integration agreement for PKK/YPG's integration into state institutions.
The March 10 agreement announced the integration of SDF into state institutions, reaffirming Syria's territorial unity and rejecting division attempts. The SDF is dominated by the YPG, the Syrian branch of the terrorist PKK.
Al-Shaibani emphasized the importance of coordination with Türkiye in economy, security and reconstruction areas, stating "We are trying to prepare the ground for Syrians' return to the country."
He noted that the economy is vital for Syria's reconstruction and development, adding: "We must be in coordination in military and security areas, we must protect our borders. Syria's territorial integrity and stability means the region's stability."
Al-Shaibani expressed gratitude for countries supporting Syria, thanking the Turkish government and people: "We are grateful to Türkiye for the support it has given to Syria. Cooperation and solidarity are indispensable for the future of the region."
Al-Shaibani also thanked Minister Fidan for his kind reception and sincere statements, noting that the war that has been ongoing in Syria for years has had deep effects on every home, city and village, which is why they came together to discuss Syria's future.
Despite the great challenges Syria faces in infrastructure, economy and institutions, al-Shaibani emphasized they continue their work in a balanced and practical way, making intense efforts to keep state institutions standing.
The Syrian foreign minister noted that strengthening political cooperation with Türkiye will have positive effects on Syria, saying they discussed bilateral and international issues within this framework.
The Syrian government has intensified security efforts since former President Bashar al-Assad's ouster after 24 years in power. Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Ba'ath Party regime that had controlled Syria since 1963.
A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa was formed in January.
7 min read
