Turkish FM calls on Arab countries to coordinate aid efforts for Syria

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on Arab countries to establish a joint mechanism to coordinate efforts in aiding Syria's reconstruction.

He made these remarks during a meeting on Syria organised in Riyadh, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"During this period, we must act as a balancing force, ensuring a delicate equilibrium between the expectations of the international community and the realities faced by the new administration in Syria," he said.

"We can establish a coordination mechanism or relevant committees to make our efforts more effective. We must identify priority sectors in Syria from which sanctions should be lifted. Additionally, preserving Syria's territorial integrity and unity must remain our top priority," the minister said. 

Fidan also emphasised that the Kurdish coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), should announce its dissolution if it genuinely intends to integrate into Syria's new administration.

He noted that the terrorist organisation continues posing a serious threat to the Arab majority east of the Euphrates and is looting the natural resources essential to the Syrian people. 

In this regard, the Turkish foreign minister pointed out that Türkiye and Arab countries can work together to strengthen the ability of Syria's new authorities to effectively combat the Islamic State terrorist organisation (IS). 

Representatives from 16 countries and international organisations have been invited to attend the meeting in Riyadh. The meeting featured foreign ministers from Türkiye, Syria, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman), as well as Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, the UK, and Germany.

The United States and Italy were represented at the deputy foreign minister level. The negotiations involved the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria. 

Fidan emphasised the importance of engaging with the new leadership of Syria based on inclusion and encouragement, highlighted the necessity of upholding Syria's territorial integrity, confirmed Türkiye's readiness to take all necessary measures against separatist terrorist organisations, stressed the importance of systematic steps in Syria's reconstruction, called for an expansion of sanctions exemptions for critically important sectors of Syria's economy. The meeting focused on the next steps to ensure stability and security in Syria.

By Naila Huseynova