During his inaugural visit to Turkey, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met with President Erdogan amid ongoing conflicts in Latakia. This visit signifies Turkey’s long-term support for the Syrian people and highlights the complexities of the current sociopolitical landscape in Syria, particularly as violence persists between factions.

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Turkey for the first time since his appointment, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a closed-door discussion. Accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Director Anas Hasan Khattab, al-Shaibani emphasized Turkey’s support for the Syrian people over the past 14 years prior to the meeting. This visit comes after a period of tumultuous events in Syria, including clashes between pro-Assad forces and the new Syrian government in Latakia.

The Syrian civil conflict, exacerbated by the regime’s repression since 2011, has led to significant shifts in power and alliances within the region. Turkey has actively supported opposition forces fighting against Bashar al-Assad, and continues to engage with groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Al-Shaibani’s visit signifies a step toward formalizing relations with Turkey as part of Syria’s post-Assad recovery efforts while seeking to navigate ongoing conflict in the region. Clashes between remnants of pro-Assad groups and new authorities illustrate the ongoing volatility in Syria.

The meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish officials underscores a critical stage in Syria’s political landscape, highlighting Turkey’s role in supporting the interim government. The clashes reported in Latakia further demonstrate the instability that remains as various factions vie for power. As the Syrian Civil War drags on, the complexities of international relations and localized conflicts continue to shape the future of the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com