Türkiye’s Diplomatic Efforts Amid Brewing Regional Conflicts

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is active in diplomatic discussions amid rising tensions in the region. He recently spoke with various foreign ministers, including Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein and Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Sani. Their talks focused on the situation in Syria and efforts for a cease-fire in Gaza. Fidan is set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is visiting Türkiye after a trip to Damascus.

Iraq shares borders with both Syria and Türkiye. Its border with Syria was closed recently. Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad S. Al Sudani spoke with Syrian President Bashar Assad to address developments in Syria. The prime minister highlighted that security in Syria affects Iraq’s national security as well.

Lebanon faces challenges due to recent Israeli attacks, prompting many Syrian refugees to leave. Russia plays a significant role, supporting the Assad regime while maintaining ties with Türkiye.

Fidan stated that Türkiye is not involved in the clashes in Aleppo. He assured that Türkiye is ready to manage its border with Syria to prevent a new wave of migration. The country currently hosts the largest Syrian refugee population.

Maintaining stability in Idlib, near Türkiye’s border, is crucial. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli emphasized that attacks in Idlib must stop, as they threaten the Astana agreements. Türkiye is monitoring increasing attacks against civilians and its border from terrorist groups in the region.

Since the Syrian civil war began, Türkiye has faced issues with foreign fighters and terrorist groups. Ankara supports the Syrian opposition in combating Daesh and has conducted military operations in northern Syria. It has also worked to repel the YPG, linked to the PKK, which had used regions close to the Turkish border to launch attacks.