Erdogan plans to visit Syria, as Turkey condemns Israeli provocations

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Apr 2025 20:07

The Turkish ambassador to Damascus reiterates that his country is committed to supporting Syria in defending itself and notes that certain understandings have already been reached in this regard.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures as he delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025) in Antalya, on April 11, 2025 (AFP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is planning a visit to Syria, and officials are currently working to finalize appropriate dates, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Sunday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Fidan described the Israeli operations in Syria as "provocative and contribute to instability," calling for “respect for Syria’s sovereignty and an end to these assaults.”

“We do not want to enter into any conflict with any country on Syrian territory,” he stressed.

The Turkish minister affirmed that Ankara is committed to supporting Syria’s new government in its efforts to restore security and stability and to combat terrorism.

'Syria does not pose a threat to Israel'

Meanwhile, Turkey's ambassador to Damascus, Burhan Koroglu, said Erdogan’s visit may take place in the near future, noting that coordination on the Syrian file is ongoing between Turkish and Russian officials through regular delegation meetings.

Koroglu also referred to ongoing “technical” talks between Turkey and "Israel" in Azerbaijan aimed at avoiding potential clashes in Syrian airspace. He emphasized that “Syria does not pose a threat to Israel, and Israeli attacks are unacceptable.”

The Turkish ambassador reiterated that his country is committed to supporting Syria in defending itself and noted that certain understandings have already been reached in this regard, describing Israel as “an aggressor state in the region.”

Turkey will continue diplomatic efforts to lift sanctions imposed on Syria

Erdogan informed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Friday that Turkey will continue its diplomatic efforts to lift international sanctions imposed on Syria, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.

During their meeting at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erdogan emphasized the need to boost trade and economic cooperation with Syria and affirmed Turkey’s continued support for the country, the statement said.

Also on Friday, Erdogan accused "Israel" of attempting to sow discord within Syria to "dynamite" what he described as the “revolution” that removed former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.

Turkey has emerged as a key supporter of al-Sharaa, whose group, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led the coalition that ousted al-Assad in December.

"Israel is trying to dynamite the December 8 revolution by stirring up ethnic and religious affiliations and turning minorities in Syria against the government," Erdogan said during the Antalya forum.

A statement from Syria’s Foreign Ministry said the talks underscored "Turkey's support for the Syrian people for reconstruction and lifting the economic sanctions on Syria."

This marked al-Sharaa’s second visit to Turkey since assuming leadership; Erdogan had previously welcomed him to Ankara in February.

Erdogan’s remarks coincided with the start of talks between Turkish and Israeli officials aimed at easing tensions over Syria, where both sides are vying for influence amid ongoing instability.

Since the ousting of al-Assad, "Israel" has carried out hundreds of air and ground strikes in Syria, actions that have drawn criticism from Ankara.

The first technical meeting between Turkish and Israeli officials was held in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, a Turkish defense ministry source confirmed.

Speaking on the same day, Fidan clarified that the meeting did not signal a normalization of relations, which remain tense due to "Israel’s" ongoing war on Gaza.

Erdogan pointed out at the forum that “Israel" is turning into a problematic actor that directly threatens the stability of the region, especially with its attacks on Lebanon and Syria."

He indicated that the Syrian "revolution" offered an opportunity to bring stability to the region.

"We will not allow Syria to be dragged into a new vortex of instability," the Turkish leader stressed, adding that Israeli strikes were hampering efforts to combat the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

Turkey has suspended all trade with "Israel", with Erdogan accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “genocide” in Gaza since October 7, 2023.