Turkish FM discusses Syria reconstruction, ceasefire and regional security during US visit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he held numerous meetings with U.S. officials on the issue of Syria during his visit to the American capital.

Responding to journalists’ questions regarding his contacts in Washington, Fidan said he met, in particular, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, as well as other officials.

According to Fidan, his visit to the United States coincided with the visit of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who met with U.S. President Donald Trump and his team. The minister noted that he was invited to part of that meeting and conveyed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s greetings and best wishes to Trump.

Fidan said the two sides discussed Türkiye’s common position on the Syrian issue and potential areas of cooperation with the U.S., including matters related to Syria’s reconstruction, national unity, and regional peace and security.

The minister noted that later, lengthy talks took place at the White House with the participation of Rubio, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Sheibani, Witkoff, and Barrack, joined also by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Fidan stated that during the meetings, there was an exchange of views on improving the management of conflict-affected areas in southern and northern Syria, as well as in other regions under the so-called “Caesar Act.” “We presented our perspectives and positions,” he said.

Separate meetings with Witkoff and Barrack

Fidan specifically highlighted his discussions with Witkoff and Barrack. With Witkoff, the minister said, detailed talks were held on the Palestinian dossier, including difficulties in implementing the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

The minister also reported that possible steps to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and ways to cooperate with the U.S. in this area were discussed. He noted that President Erdoğan has a number of proposals on this issue, which were conveyed to the American side.

Fidan emphasised that the parties also discussed the U.S. position on nuclear negotiations with Iran and next steps, pointing out the direct regional implications of the issue.

The minister also said he held detailed discussions with Ambassador Barrack on Syria, and with Witkoff on Palestine, Russia-Ukraine relations, and Iran, after which he briefed President Erdoğan on the results of his visit.

Fidan stressed that Trump’s approach to the Syrian issue was highly constructive and that Ankara viewed this positively.

Full repeal of the Caesar Act seen as crucial

The foreign minister stated that the primary focus now is on identifying steps for a complete and permanent repeal of the sanctions known as the “Caesar Civilian Protection Act” to support Syria’s economic revival.

“Previously, only limited exceptions were made under presidential authority, allowing certain economic activities to resume. Now, however, it is necessary for the law itself to be fully repealed and re-enacted by Congress so that presidential exemptions are no longer required. It is crucial for the administration to maintain a unified position and present such a recommendation to Congress. In this regard, I consider statements by both Mr. Sharaa and our presentation on this issue to be highly significant,” the minister said.

By Tamilla Hasanova