Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of international cooperation for Syria’s recovery as investments slowly begin to return amid significant devastation from years of conflict. In an interview with a local television channel on Saturday, Fidan highlighted that joint efforts involving regional nations, as well as European and US partners, are essential for laying a foundation for reconstruction, despite the ongoing challenges.
Fidan stated, “Investments in Syria are gradually starting to take shape, but the scale of destruction is enormous.” He pointed out that while some people are returning to their homes, the need for infrastructure to support basic services remains critical.
Control and Stability
Addressing concerns from European and US officials regarding the control exerted by the current administration over Syria, Fidan asserted that Türkiye believes a substantial level of control has been established. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that certain areas still pose challenges. He specifically mentioned regions under the influence of the PKK/YPG-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which require resolution of outstanding issues within the framework of the March 10 agreement. This agreement aims to integrate the SDF into state institutions to prevent further conflict.
Fidan identified southern Syria as a particularly concerning area, describing it as “perhaps our biggest risk area at the moment.” Although he noted that the situation is manageable, he expressed that the involvement of Israel complicates matters and necessitates close monitoring. The frequency and intensity of Israeli military incursions have escalated since the overthrow of Bashar Assad in December.
Economic Potential
The Turkish Foreign Minister also highlighted ongoing projects in Syria, underscoring the close geographic and economic ties between Türkiye and its neighbor. “There is significant potential in terms of trade, transportation and connectivity,” Fidan remarked, adding that restoring stability is a prerequisite for realizing this potential.
As international actors begin to engage more actively in Syria’s reconstruction, the path forward remains fraught with difficulties. Fidan’s remarks underline the necessity of collaborative efforts to address the enormous challenges posed by the ongoing recovery process.
