Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al‑Shibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Monday to discuss refugee returns, economic cooperation and regional security, Syrian state media Al‑Ikhbariya TV reported.
At a joint news conference, al‑Shibani said the talks covered counterterrorism efforts, steps to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group and the development of a shared vision for northeastern Syria.
He said a March agreement between the Syrian interim government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the northeast into a unified Syria reflects the country’s determination to accelerate reintegration “in a civilized manner.” Delays in implementing the deal or integrating the Kurdish‑led SDF, he said, would be unfair to the region and its residents.
Al‑Shibani added that threats to Syria’s stability also endanger Turkey’s security, underscoring what he described as the interconnected security interests of the two neighbors. He said the Jazira region is an integral part of Syria and must be fully incorporated into a unified state.
Fidan said Syria’s current leadership has proposed a governance model that contributes to regional stability. He cited progress in improving security and said lifting sanctions under the Caesar Act would be an important step toward stability and could help attract foreign investment.