Türkiye has appointed Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as acting chargé d’affaires in Damascus, taking over temporarily as Türkiye’s diplomatic head in Syria after being the ambassador to Mauritania. This decision marks a significant step in re-establishing Türkiye’s diplomatic presence in the region amid ongoing turmoil.

Ambassador Burhan Koroglu has been designated as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, following his tenure as Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mauritania. His new role involves temporarily overseeing Türkiye’s diplomatic activities in Syria’s capital, which is a pivotal position given the ongoing complexities in the region. The announcement of Koroglu’s appointment was made by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, highlighting the trust placed in him to navigate Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts during a tenuous period.

Türkiye’s diplomatic presence in Syria has faced significant challenges since the onset of the civil unrest in 2011, which led to a violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators by the Syrian regime. The Turkish Embassy in Damascus operated during these early stages but was forced to suspend its operations in March 2012, with staff returning to Türkiye. Since then, the Turkish government has maintained a critical stance regarding developments in Syria, which continues to affect diplomatic relations and engagements in the region.

The appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as acting chargé d’affaires in Damascus signifies Türkiye’s commitment to re-establishing diplomatic channels in Syria. Despite the historical challenges faced by the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, this move reflects a strategic response to the evolving geopolitical climate in the region and the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr