Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of resolving Syria’s ongoing conflict through dialogue and cooperation during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held in Ankara.

Fidan remarked that the recent developments in Syria cannot be solely attributed to foreign intervention, calling such an explanation a "mistake" that overshadows the deeper issues at hand. He criticized the Assad regime for its lack of commitment to a political resolution, stating: “The Assad regime is not favoring a political solution. It is crucial for Damascus to come to an agreement with its own people and the legitimate opposition.”

Reiterating Türkiye’s firm stance against terrorism, Fidan assured the public that no terrorist organizations would be allowed to exploit the region’s instability.

“Our institutions are acting in close coordination. We are taking the necessary measures against possible threats. Türkiye will never, ever give passage to terrorist organizations,” he said.

Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing collaboration with Iran and Russia within the framework of the Astana process, aimed at facilitating a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis. He announced plans to revitalize the process in the near future and underscored the importance of involving all regional and international stakeholders to prevent further escalation.

“It is very important to keep regional and international actors together. We do not want to see the painful events of the past repeated—cities destroyed, people displaced, and a civil war that continues indefinitely,” Fidan noted.

Fidan stressed the need for displaced Syrians to return home and called for reversing the refugee flow caused by the conflict. He also underlined the importance of opening dialogue channels with the Syrian regime to achieve these goals.

“We want displaced people to return to their homes. It is essential to prevent terrorist organizations from gaining ground again. Dialogue with the regime is critical to de-escalating the civil war and ensuring stability,” he concluded.

The Turkish Foreign Minister’s statements come amid ongoing efforts by Türkiye, Iran, and Russia to address the challenges in Syria, including displacement, terrorism, and the lack of a political solution. (ILKHA)