Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted a trilateral meeting with his Saudi Arabian and Syrian counterparts in New York as the three countries stepped up diplomatic coordination on regional developments during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting, held on September 22 at the Turkish House on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, brought together Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

The talks formed part of a broader series of high-level diplomatic contacts taking place in New York during the UN General Assembly, with Türkiye seeking closer regional coordination on security, stability and political developments across the Middle East.

The meeting also came shortly after Fidan's visit to Damascus, where he held talks with al-Shaibani and was received by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. During his September 13-14 visit, Fidan also held a trilateral meeting with Syria's foreign and interior ministers, highlighting Ankara's focus on security coordination and Syria's political and institutional stability.

The New York talks reflect expanding diplomatic engagement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the new Syrian administration as regional governments seek greater coordination over issues affecting the Middle East.

Türkiye has continued to emphasize Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the consolidation of state institutions. During his recent Damascus visit, Fidan said the integration of armed groups into Syria's state structure was essential to strengthening the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also stressed the importance of stability and creating conditions capable of attracting investment and supporting Syria's reconstruction.

Saudi Arabia has likewise maintained close diplomatic engagement with Damascus as Syria works to rebuild state institutions and restore regional economic and political ties.

The trilateral format in New York therefore provides another platform for Ankara, Riyadh and Damascus to exchange views on regional security and Syria's future, while also coordinating their positions on broader Middle Eastern developments.

Fidan's meeting with the Saudi and Syrian foreign ministers came amid a particularly active period of Turkish diplomacy at the UN General Assembly.

On September 21, Fidan also participated in a meeting with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in New York. The four countries reaffirmed the importance of continued consultation and coordination to support peace, security and stability in the Middle East and expressed concern over continuing regional tensions.

Fidan has also participated in broader multilateral meetings during the 81st UN General Assembly, including consultations involving Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to Türkiye's Foreign Ministry.

The series of meetings underscores Ankara's efforts to strengthen dialogue with regional partners at a time of heightened tensions and major political changes across the Middle East.

The Türkiye-Saudi Arabia-Syria meeting in New York is expected to contribute to continued consultations on regional developments and closer coordination among the three countries as they seek to address common security, political and economic challenges. (ILKHA)