UPDATE 2 - Türkiye pledges support for Syria's new era, calls for focus on way forward

ADDS MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER, BACKGROUND; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Merve Berker

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday stressed that Syria entered "a new era" with the dramatic developments over the weekend, urging a focus on the way forward while reaffirming Ankara's unwavering support for the Syrian people.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 15th annual Ambassadors Conference in the capital Ankara, with the theme “Türkiye's Diplomatic Moves and Their Global Implications,” Fidan said what happened in Syria on Sunday represented a beacon of hope, referring to the fall of the Assad regime.

Fidan said: "We expect international actors, especially the UN, to extend a helping hand to the Syrian people and support the establishment of an inclusive (new) administration."

He emphasized that it has always been stated from the outset that a permanent solution, peace, and stability in Syria can only be achieved through national reconciliation.

Mentioning that the Assad regime failed to take steps to reconcile with its people despite all efforts and opportunities, Fidan said: “A new era has begun in Syria, and now it’s time to focus on the way forward.”

"In the upcoming process, we want a Syria where different ethnic and religious groups live in peace under an inclusive understanding of governance,” he said, adding: “We want to see a new Syria that will have good relations with its neighbors and contribute to peace and stability in the region."

- Turkish support

Emphasizing that Türkiye is ready to provide the necessary support to the Syrian people, Fidan said: “Türkiye, which extended a helping hand to its Syrian brothers and sisters during their difficult times, will stand with them on the new page opened in Damascus.”

He said Ankara believes the Syrian people will make good use of this golden opportunity, adding: "Preventing (the terrorist groups) Daesh (Isis) and the PKK from benefiting from the current situation will ensure that Syria ceases to be a safe haven for terrorism.”

“We will resolutely continue all our efforts for this," he underscored.

The PKK/YPG – the Syrian branch of the terrorist PKK – has long sought to establish a terrorist corridor in northern Syria, along the Turkish boder.

Saying that Syria has once again demonstrated how long-term diplomacy is and how much patience it demands, Fidan said that Türkiye has been advocating what it believes is right for Syria for 13 years – since the start of its civil war – both in bilateral relations and on multilateral platforms.

Fidan stressed that while others abandoned the Syrians, Türkiye stood by them as the country has shouldered every difficulty to realize justice, regional peace, and stability.

He added: "While undertaking diplomatic initiatives, we have sincerely demonstrated that we not only seek our national security and peace but also desire peace and prosperity for our region."

Starting on Nov. 27, Syrian opposition forces launched a lightning offensive over the course of 10 days, capturing key cities and then, on Sunday, the capital Damascus.

The rapid advance, supported by defecting military units, led to the collapse of the Assad regime after 13 years of civil war.

Over the weekend Assad and his family fled to Moscow, where Russia granted them asylum.

- Need for UN reform

Fidan criticized the UN Security Council's failure to halt Israel's 14-month offensive in Gaza, which has killed over 44,000 Palestinians, as evidence of a global governance crisis and the need for UN reform.

Highlighting the risk of the Russia-Ukraine war escalating into an East-West conflict, Fidan underlined its devastating toll and economic impact.

Türkiye's foreign policy is rooted in state traditions and humanitarian values, advancing with a 360-degree, independent perspective, he said.

Fidan emphasized a holistic approach to addressing crises while leveraging technological advances, adapting institutional capacities, and presenting innovative solutions to global challenges through Turkish diplomacy.

- Situation in Gaza

Fidan reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to resolving the Gaza issue through a two-state solution and regional guarantorship.

He highlighted actions such as suspending trade with Israel, advocating for Palestine's recognition, and halting arms sales to Israel.

Türkiye also engaged in international legal efforts and established the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League Palestine Contact Group to promote peace, he added.

The Turkish foreign minister further praised his country’s diplomatic achievements in securing cease-fires, delivering humanitarian aid, and supporting Palestine's statehood.

He noted the shift in Western countries now advocating for a two-state solution and reiterated Türkiye’s support for Gaza until a Palestinian state is established based on the 1967 borders.

Fidan also emphasized Türkiye's efforts to enhance global relations, including mediating in the Russia-Ukraine war and fostering regional stability from the Middle East to the Balkans.

He highlighted the Organization of Turkic States’ growing influence as a global power hub.

- Türkiye in global diplomacy, economic growth

Fidan also stressed Ankara’s unwavering commitment to advancing EU relations towards its full membership, criticizing delays caused by narrow political objectives.

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s strategic role within NATO, contributing significantly with its robust military and advanced defense industry, and urged allies to support its fight against terrorist groups like the PKK, Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), and DHKP-C.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants, and the elderly.

FETO is responsible for a defeated coup in Türkiye in July 2015 in which 252 people were killed and 2,734 were wounded.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Besides Türkiye, the US and European Union list the DHKP-C as a terrorist organization. The group has claimed responsibility for various terror attacks, including a 2013 that targeted the US Embassy in Ankara.

Fidan also highlighted the strong link between foreign policy and economic growth, noting that Türkiye’s trade with Africa rose from $4.3 billion in 2002 to over $40 billion today, alongside growing ties with Latin America and Asia-Pacific countries.

He underscored Türkiye’s strategic role in connectivity projects, particularly the Middle Corridor, facilitating the transfer of energy, goods, and services between Europe and Asia.

Citing the election last week of Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu as secretary general of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Fidan praised Türkiye's diplomacy and its humanitarian efforts, stressing that security and prosperity depend on justice and a fairer global order.