Turkish foreign minister reaffirms support for all Syrian communities

Türkiye is committed to safeguarding all aggrieved groups in Syria, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during a joint press conference with Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin in Ankara on January 2.

Addressing Türkiye’s role in Syria, Fidan stated: “Whether it's a majority or minority in Syria, whoever it may be — Nusayris, Alevis, Yazidis, Christians, anyone — Türkiye is their protector and guardian as it is for all the others in this new period,” Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Fidan highlighted the displacement of millions under the Assad regime, including Sunni Arabs and ethnic Turks, emphasizing Türkiye’s role as a refuge since 2011. Over 3 million Syrians have found sanctuary in the country.

“We are making every effort to ensure that they do not face harm in Syria. The new Syrian leadership is also highly sensitive to this issue,” Fidan said, underlining Türkiye’s commitment to Syria's security, territorial integrity, and reconstruction.

Fidan also addressed the ongoing genocide in Gaza, warning of its broader implications for the international system and urging an immediate end to the atrocities.

Calling for global efforts to rebuild Syria, Fidan emphasized the need for international collaboration in securing the nation’s future. He also reiterated Türkiye’s stance on returning ISIS detainees to their home countries and securing detention facilities in Syria to prevent future crises.

During discussions with his Belgian counterpart, Fidan lauded the strong NATO alliance and growing trade ties between the two nations. The talks also covered defense industry cooperation and Belgium's support for Türkiye’s EU membership, customs union, and visa liberalization.

However, Fidan raised concerns about the presence of PKK, FETO, and other terror organizations in Belgium, urging enhanced efforts to prevent their exploitation of local legal systems.

Fidan concluded by stressing Türkiye’s commitment to regional peace and the swift rebuilding of Syria, with Ankara positioned as a steadfast ally in addressing challenges and fostering stability in the region.

By Vugar Khalilov