Fidan, Güler and Kalın Meet Syrian President al-Sharaa in Damascus for Security Talks

Türkiye has held a rare high-level engagement with Syria’s leadership, as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and National Intelligence Organization chief İbrahim Kalın met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus.

According to official Turkish statements, the talks focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, border stability, and Syria’s broader political trajectory. Ankara views continued instability in Syria as a direct national security concern, making dialogue with Damascus a strategic necessity rather than a symbolic gesture.

Security-Centered Agenda

Turkish officials emphasized that the discussions addressed common security threats, including terrorist organizations, cross-border risks, and the need to prevent renewed escalation. Türkiye reiterated its long-standing position in support of Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity, framing stability as a prerequisite for lasting peace in the region.

Humanitarian conditions were also discussed, alongside the importance of creating realistic conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced Syrians — an issue of particular relevance for Türkiye.

Regional Context and Diplomacy

The meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic activity surrounding Syria, as regional actors reassess policies shaped by more than a decade of conflict. Ankara has repeatedly stated that dialogue, if grounded in concrete security outcomes, is preferable to prolonged deadlock.

Foreign Minister Fidan has publicly expressed Türkiye’s support for de-escalation across the region and indicated that dialogue between Syria and other regional actors should be encouraged, provided it delivers tangible results and reduces risks of wider confrontation.

Ankara’s Position

Türkiye framed the engagement as pragmatic and security-driven. Officials stressed that any broader normalization process would depend on measurable progress, particularly in counter-terrorism cooperation and border security.

The presence of Türkiye’s defense and intelligence leadership alongside the foreign minister underlined that security considerations remain central to Ankara’s Syria policy.

What Comes Next

While the meeting does not amount to full normalization, it represents a significant step in restoring senior-level contact after years of strained relations. Observers note that such talks could pave the way for further technical discussions and confidence-building measures if momentum is sustained.

For Ankara, the Damascus meeting reflects a broader diplomatic recalibration in a shifting regional landscape — one that prioritizes stability, controlled engagement, and the protection of Türkiye’s core security interests.