Turkish FM expresses views on Syria, regional cooperation, Iran’s foreign policy

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shared insights on Türkiye’s position on Syria, regional solidarity, and Iran’s foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and non-dominance in the Middle East.

In a recent interview, Fidan began by reiterating Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Syrian opposition from the outset of the conflict, Caliber.Az reports.

He also highlighted Türkiye's role in hosting Syrians who fled the war, calling them "honourable and noble people" and expressing hope that they would safely return to a new Syria.

"This is truly a victory for the Syrian people, and no one should dominate their sovereignty or dictate what Syria should do," he said, emphasising that this aligns with both his personal values and Türkiye's foreign policy.

Addressing concerns about shifts in Türkiye’s stance regarding Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Fidan stated that Sharaa has learned from past mistakes and has been dedicated to addressing the basic needs of millions, particularly in Idlib. 

He noted that such responsibilities cannot be carried out solely through ideology, and praised Sharaa for taking social responsibility during these challenging years. Fidan stressed the importance of solidarity in the region, urging countries to work together to address common challenges such as economic development, security, and terrorism.

"We must unite to tackle these fundamental issues, not face them alone," he said, calling it a historic opportunity for the region to come together and collaborate.

He also noted the rapid development taking place in several regional countries. 

“Look at Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and others. These nations are undergoing a massive transformation,” he said, mentioning Iraq’s efforts under Prime Minister Sudani to address infrastructure issues and Egypt’s battle against poverty.

“Leaders across the region are committed to improving their countries and addressing the fundamental concerns of their people,” he added. 

Fidan also shared his thoughts on Iran’s foreign policy, particularly its involvement through militias in Iraq and Syria.

"Iran has achieved some successes, but the cost of maintaining these successes has been much higher,” he stated, explaining that Iran has had to sacrifice far more than the gains it has made. 

He called for a change in this approach, noting that while it has produced short-term results, it has burdened both Iran and the region in the long run. 

He further emphasized the need to move away from the “culture of dominance” in the region. 

“Neither Arabs, nor Turks, nor Kurds, nor Iranians should seek to dominate or obstruct each other,” he said, urging countries to solve their own problems with unity and cooperation, rather than being sources of threats and dominance. 

Fidan responded to allegations regarding Iran's potential support for the PKK/YPG, which operates under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stressing that such actions would be counterproductive.

“If you support a group in another country to create discomfort, expect that another country may do the same in return,” he said. “The world is small, and nothing can remain hidden today. If you don’t want stones thrown through your window, don’t throw stones through someone else’s.” 

On the issue of Syria's future, Fidan made it clear that Syria's sovereignty must remain intact and that the Syrian people should have the right to decide their own future.

He warned against the mentality of controlling other countries, stating that such an approach would lead to exploitation and deeper involvement in conflicts. 

“Syria must solve its problems on its own. Iran and Russia cannot do everything,” he concluded. 

Fidan’s comments reinforce Türkiye’s commitment to regional cooperation, the sovereignty of neighboring nations, and a balanced foreign policy approach that emphasizes peace, development, and mutual respect among Middle Eastern countries.

By Naila Huseynova