October 12, 2025, Istanbul – In a significant statement underscoring the deepening ties between Türkiye and Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared on Sunday that Syria's security is intrinsically linked to Türkiye's own security interests. Speaking after a high-level security cooperation meeting in Ankara, Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to the Syrian people as both nations work to strengthen their strategic partnership. The meeting, attended by key Turkish and Syrian officials, marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with both sides pledging to enhance coordination to safeguard Syria’s recent gains and ensure regional stability.
The Ankara meeting brought together Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and National Intelligence Organization head İbrahim Kalın, alongside their Syrian counterparts, including Syrian Foreign Minister Hassan al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salame. The discussions focused on fostering closer collaboration to protect Syria’s territorial integrity, address shared security challenges, and advance concrete plans to stabilize the region. Fidan emphasized that the talks allowed for a thorough examination of the strategic dimensions of Türkiye-Syria relations, signaling a new phase of cooperation following significant political changes in Syria late last year.
A Shared Vision for Security and Stability
Fidan’s remarks, posted on Türkiye’s social media platform NSosyal, highlighted the inseparability of Syria’s security from Türkiye’s. “We do not see Syria’s security as separate from Türkiye's. We will continue to provide all kinds of support to our Syrian brothers on this path,” he stated. This assertion reflects Türkiye’s longstanding position that instability in Syria, its southern neighbor, directly impacts its own national security, particularly given the two countries’ shared 911-kilometer border and the complex regional dynamics involving terrorism, migration, and geopolitical rivalries.
The meeting in Ankara comes at a critical juncture for Syria, which has undergone significant political transformations since the Syrian people “gained their freedom” in late 2024, as Fidan noted. While the specifics of this transition remain sensitive, the reference likely points to the fall of the Assad regime and the emergence of a new Syrian administration, which Türkiye has cautiously supported. The Syrian delegation’s presence in Ankara underscores the new administration’s determination to address the country’s challenges, including rebuilding state institutions, combating terrorism, and ensuring territorial integrity.
Fidan praised the Syrian administration’s resolve to overcome these challenges, stating, “The Syrian administration has the determination and resolve to overcome the difficult tests it faces.” He emphasized that Türkiye’s support would be multifaceted, encompassing diplomatic, security, and humanitarian assistance. This commitment aligns with Türkiye’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting stability in its neighborhood while countering threats such as terrorism and managing the return of millions of Syrian refugees currently residing in Türkiye.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The Ankara meeting focused on practical steps to enhance security cooperation between Türkiye and Syria. Both sides agreed to deepen coordination to preserve Syria’s recent political and territorial gains, which Fidan described as critical to the region’s stability. The discussions included evaluations of joint strategies to counter terrorist organizations, such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Türkiye considers a significant threat due to its links with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria.
Türkiye has long expressed concerns about the presence of PKK-affiliated groups in Syria, particularly in areas east of the Euphrates River, where the SDF controls significant territory. The meeting likely addressed Türkiye’s calls for the Syrian administration to take decisive action against these groups to prevent cross-border attacks and ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees. In return, Türkiye appears ready to offer technical and military support to strengthen Syria’s security apparatus, including intelligence-sharing and joint counterterrorism operations.
Fidan noted that the talks allowed for a “comprehensive examination” of the strategic dimensions of Türkiye-Syria relations. This included discussions on preserving Syria’s territorial integrity, a key priority for both nations given the risk of fragmentation posed by external actors and internal divisions. The meeting also explored ways to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, where millions remain displaced, and infrastructure has been devastated by years of conflict.
A New Chapter in Türkiye-Syria Relations
The Ankara meeting marks a significant step forward in Türkiye-Syria relations, which have been strained for over a decade due to the Syrian civil war. Türkiye initially supported opposition groups against the Assad regime but has since shifted its focus toward stabilizing Syria and preventing the emergence of a power vacuum that could exacerbate security threats. The fall of the Assad regime in 2024 created an opportunity for Türkiye to engage with the new Syrian administration, fostering a pragmatic partnership based on mutual interests.
Since late 2024, Türkiye has maintained “comprehensive contacts” with Syria at all levels, as Fidan noted. These contacts have included diplomatic engagements, security dialogues, and efforts to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees. Türkiye currently hosts approximately 3.6 million Syrian refugees, the largest refugee population in the world, and their repatriation remains a key priority for Ankara. The Syrian administration’s willingness to cooperate with Türkiye on this issue could pave the way for a structured repatriation process, supported by international organizations and reconstruction efforts.
The meeting also reflects Türkiye’s broader regional ambitions. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has sought to position itself as a key player in the Middle East, mediating conflicts and asserting influence in areas such as Syria, Iraq, and Libya. By aligning with the new Syrian administration, Türkiye aims to counterbalance the influence of other regional powers, such as Iran and Russia, which have historically supported the Assad regime. The Ankara meeting signals Türkiye’s intent to play a leading role in shaping Syria’s future while securing its own borders.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding the Ankara meeting, significant challenges remain. Syria’s political transition is still fragile, with competing factions and external actors vying for influence. The presence of foreign forces, including Russian and American troops, complicates efforts to unify the country and restore state authority. Additionally, the Syrian economy is in tatters, with widespread poverty and a lack of basic services hindering reconstruction efforts.
Türkiye’s support for Syria will likely focus on addressing these challenges through a combination of security assistance, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic advocacy. However, Ankara must navigate delicate issues, such as the status of Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Syria and the reintegration of former opposition fighters into the new Syrian administration. Any missteps could reignite tensions or undermine the fragile trust between Türkiye and Syria.
For Syria, cooperation with Türkiye offers an opportunity to rebuild its security forces, attract investment, and gain international legitimacy. The new Syrian administration’s participation in the Ankara meeting suggests a willingness to engage with regional powers to stabilize the country. However, it must balance domestic pressures with the expectations of its neighbors, particularly Türkiye, which has significant leverage due to its military presence in northern Syria and its role as a host to millions of Syrian refugees.
A Path Toward Regional Stability
The Ankara meeting represents a milestone in Türkiye-Syria relations, with both nations recognizing the interconnectedness of their security and stability. By pledging to work together, Türkiye and Syria aim to address shared challenges, from terrorism to refugee repatriation, while laying the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous region. Fidan’s commitment to providing “all kinds of support” underscores Türkiye’s strategic investment in Syria’s future, reflecting a belief that a secure and unified Syria is essential to Türkiye’s own national interests.
As the two countries move forward, the international community will be watching closely. The success of this partnership will depend on the ability of both sides to translate their commitments into concrete actions, from joint counterterrorism operations to coordinated reconstruction efforts. For now, the Ankara meeting signals a hopeful step toward a new era of cooperation, with Türkiye and Syria united in their pursuit of a secure and stable future.
