Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Damascus is working to end the presence of weapons outside state control, arguing that dismantling armed formations operating beyond the legal framework is essential to Syria’s stability and could help bolster security across the region. Speaking at a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan following talks in Ankara on Thursday, Shaibani said Syria and Türkiye were cooperating closely on counterterrorism, describing that cooperation as a cornerstone of their partnership. He said Damascus’ decision to extend state authority and control illegitimate arms had been reflected in dialogue and a legal agreement to unify institutions, referring to the deal to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions. “A unified Syria free of terrorism and armed militias is the best wall protecting our shared borders,” Shaibani stressed, adding that Damascus was coordinating with Ankara to ensure the process succeeds in serving their shared national interests. Fidan announced that Türkiye and Syria would deepen cooperation and coordination on counterterrorism, defense and security, stressing the importance of completing the integration process underway in Syria without interruption. “Integrating all armed elements, so-called organizations and militias under a central, legitimate national structure is essential for Syria’s unity and our region’s stability,” Fidan said. He said Syria had emerged as a country contributing to regional stability throughout the war in Iran, making the protection of its security and peace a shared responsibility for countries in the region. Fidan also condemned Israeli attacks targeting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing them as among the greatest threats to the country’s stability. Continued Israeli attacks despite understandings over a Gaza agreement showed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not want peace, he stated. He urged the international community to respond more forcefully to what he called Israel’s “occupation mentality” and press for compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and respect for Syrian sovereignty. Fidan said the talks also covered Palestine and Lebanon, welcoming steps toward normalizing Syrian-Lebanese relations and exploring areas of cooperation. He described Lebanon as another regional challenge amid what he called Israel’s “aggressive and expansionist ambitions,” saying thousands of innocent people had been killed and more than a million civilians displaced. He also referred to Wednesday’s meeting in Jordan of foreign ministers from more than 20 Muslim countries on Jerusalem, as well as talks involving Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He noted that the four countries agreed on diplomatic steps and could meet again in September. State control of weapons Shaibani said ending armed formations outside legitimate state institutions should become the basis for regional stability. He revealed that Damascus and Ankara had agreed to support efforts in Iraq and Lebanon to strengthen state sovereignty and place weapons exclusively under the control of national institutions, ending sources of instability across the region. Success in those countries, combined with Syria’s efforts to consolidate state control over weapons, would create an integrated regional security network and pave the way for development and prosperity, he underlined. Shaibani also condemned repeated Israeli attacks in southern Syria and renewed calls for a return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and an Israeli withdrawal to positions held before Dec. 8, 2024. Regional cooperation The ministers also discussed expanding economic and regional ties. Fidan said Türkiye was working to facilitate customs procedures, improve border crossings, activate banking channels and coordinate transportation infrastructure with Syria. Turkish public institutions and private companies were also contributing to Syria’s reconstruction and the rehabilitation of its energy and transportation infrastructure. He highlighted a road and rail initiative linking Türkiye, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, saying work had begun to implement the project as quickly as possible. Shaibani said Syria’s geographic position should make it a central hub for regional and global trade, citing plans for rail links with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. On the US-Iran war, Shaibani pointed that Syria favored diplomacy to prevent the region from sliding into open conflict and strongly condemned attacks targeting Gulf Arab states, describing Gulf security as an integral part of regional security. He also said Syria faces threats from militias operating across neighboring borders outside state authority and would strengthen border security through technology and coordination with neighboring countries. The talks also addressed the return of Syrians to their country, which Shaibani described as a top national priority. He pointed that sustainable returns require infrastructure and basic services, with Damascus and Ankara working to link return programs directly to early-recovery projects.
