Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani said Syria and Turkey are moving to expand political, economic, and security cooperation, stressing that combating terrorism and extending Syrian state authority across the country are the foundations of the partnership between the two countries. Ankara, meanwhile, announced plans to develop economic relations, increase the number of border crossings, and launch joint projects in transportation, education, and reconstruction.

Al-Shaibani made the remarks during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan following a meeting in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Thursday, August 6. Their talks covered bilateral relations and regional developments, as well as security, the economy, and the return of refugees.

Al-Shaibani said Damascus and Ankara recognize that “stability and continued success in combating terrorism are the cornerstone of the partnership,” adding that the Syrian government’s decision to extend state authority across all Syrian territory and end any armed presence outside the legal framework reflects this approach.

He added that “a unified Syria free of terrorism and militias constitutes a solid wall protecting the shared border,” noting that coordination between Damascus and Ankara serves their common interests and turns the border between the two countries into “a route for trade, prosperity, and mutual security.”

The Syrian foreign minister said the talks addressed security threats along the border, calling on countries in the region to strengthen security coordination and border controls. He said Syria faces threats from “armed militias carrying weapons outside the framework of the state,” stressing that the government is working to confront them in a way that safeguards the country’s security and the safety of its citizens.

Ending Arms Outside State Institutions

Al-Shaibani linked regional stability to ending the presence of irregular armed formations, saying the region is moving toward “a single foundation for stability” based on eliminating any armed groups operating outside the legitimate framework.

He added that Damascus and Ankara agreed to support efforts led by Iraq and Lebanon to strengthen the sovereignty of both states and restrict weapons to official institutions, referring to security issues facing countries in the region.

The remarks come as the Syrian government continues to emphasize implementing agreements to integrate military and security institutions under state authority. They also come amid growing discussion in recent months about completing integration agreements in northeastern Syria and ending the presence of any military formations operating outside state institutions.

Economic Cooperation and Transport Projects

On the economy, al-Shaibani said the two sides placed shared economic and political issues at the top of their priorities and discussed reactivating economic and trade agreements between the two countries.

He said a recent step between the central banks of Syria and Turkey had laid the groundwork for a new phase of economic cooperation, without providing further details.

Al-Shaibani also said the two sides discussed accelerating the activation of the “Four Seas” committee, stressing that Syria’s geographical position makes it “the shortest and most viable hub on global trade maps.”

He added that Damascus is working with Turkey on a railway connection project linking Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, as part of projects aimed at strengthening trade and regional transportation.

Refugee Return

Regarding Syrian refugees, al-Shaibani described the return of Syrians to their country as “a top Syrian national priority,” noting that the two sides are establishing a practical framework directly linking return projects with early recovery programs.

The return of refugees has been one of the most prominent issues discussed between Damascus and Ankara in recent months, alongside efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure and services in several parts of Syria.

Condemnation of Israeli Attacks

The Syrian foreign minister also addressed security developments in southern Syria, saying Damascus continues its diplomatic efforts to stop repeated Israeli attacks.

He said Syria condemns and denounces any attack on its territory and sovereignty, stressing that efforts to consolidate stability will continue.

Al-Shaibani also expressed Damascus’ condemnation of any attack targeting Arab Gulf states, describing their stability as “an essential and inseparable pillar of the regional security system.”

Fidan: Accelerate Integration, Expand Cooperation

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the integration process in Syria should be completed quickly and without obstruction, reaffirming Turkey’s support for Syria in various fields, particularly the economic and security sectors.

Fidan said Turkey is working to develop economic relations with Syria and increase bilateral trade, while also increasing the number of border crossings, supporting banking and transportation infrastructure, and contributing to reconstruction projects.

He added that Ankara is also working to establish a joint Syrian-Turkish university inside Syria as part of efforts to expand educational cooperation between the two countries.

On transportation, Fidan said Turkey is coordinating with Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to develop transportation networks and regional connections that would strengthen trade among the four countries.

Support for Syria’s Unity

The Turkish foreign minister said Syria’s security and stability are necessary for regional stability, stressing the need to protect Syria’s territorial unity.

He also called for pressure to stop Israeli attacks on Syria, stressing the need to respect Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Fidan said Turkey continues to support Syria in combating terrorism in a way that advances the country’s security and stability, as well as regional stability. He added that work would continue to raise the level of bilateral relations through new projects in various sectors.

Al-Shaibani’s visit to Ankara reflects the continuing rapprochement between Syria and Turkey amid expanding political and economic cooperation. Talks in recent months have focused on border security, refugee returns, reviving trade, and developing transportation and regional connection projects, alongside Damascus’ efforts to strengthen state institutions’ control over all Syrian territory and end the presence of weapons outside official frameworks.