Al-Sharaa discusses Syria’s crisis and sovereignty with Turkish, French leaders

Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa held telephone conversations on Friday, January 9, with Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and France’s President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the latest developments in Syria and issues related to regional stability.

According to Syrian state media, during his conversation with the Turkish leader, the two sides reviewed the current situation in Syria and efforts aimed at strengthening the foundations of security and stability in the region. 

President al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s unwavering national principles, above all, the need to extend state sovereignty over the entire territory of the country. He stressed that the priority at this stage is protecting the civilian population, ensuring security in the areas around Aleppo, and putting an end to illegal armed activity that obstructs the recovery process.

For his part, Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Ankara’s support for efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability, noting the importance of coordinating actions to confront shared challenges and threats.

President al-Sharaa also held a telephone conversation with France’s President Emmanuel Macron, during which the two discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation as well as developments across the region. The talks took place within the framework of diplomatic openness that the Syrian state is pursuing to strengthen its standing on the international stage.

The Syrian leader expressed gratitude to France for supporting the path toward stabilisation, highlighting Paris’s efforts to promote national unity, expand the sovereignty of the Syrian state over all its territory, alleviate the humanitarian consequences of the crisis, and assist early recovery.

Speaking about the situation on the ground, Ahmed al-Sharaa briefed the French president on measures being implemented by Syrian authorities in Aleppo, again emphasising that protecting civilians and ensuring the security of the city are key tasks necessary to restore normal life.

He also underscored the sovereign role of the state in protecting all citizens of Syria, regardless of their background, noting in particular the Kurdish component as an integral part of national unity and an important partner in building the country’s future.

For his part, Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Syria’s unity and sovereignty, stressing the need to continue bilateral coordination and consultations, as well as the importance of supporting the Syrian state’s efforts to strengthen stability and the rule of law.

By Tamilla Hasanova