Syria’s Foreign Minister Visits Turkey Amid Continued Clashes with Pro-Assad Forces
Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Turkey, having discussions with President Erdogan amid ongoing clashes in Latakia between Assad-aligned forces and the Syrian interim government. This meeting is part of Turkey’s continued support for the Syrian opposition, set against the backdrop of military tensions in several regions of Syria.
Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Turkey, where he met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. This marks al-Shaibani’s first official visit since assuming office following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The meeting, which occurred behind closed doors, included key defense and intelligence officials from the Syrian interim government.
The ongoing conflict in Syria began in 2011, following the regime’s violent repression of peaceful protests. Turkey has provided significant support to armed opposition groups seeking to overthrow Assad. Following Assad’s removal, Turkey aims to foster strategic relations with the Syrian interim government while countering Kurdish forces, whom it has militarily opposed since 2016. Al-Shaibani’s visit is part of a broader effort to establish regional cooperation and recovery efforts in a post-Assad Syria.
The meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish officials underscores an evolving relationship aimed at stabilizing a post-Assad Syria. Simultaneously, escalating clashes in Latakia reveal ongoing violence between pro-Assad forces and the new Syria government. As military campaigns continue in various regions, including clashes in northeast Syria, the intricate dynamics of power and conflict remain evident.
Original Source: www.newarab.com