Turkey stresses international cooperation for Syria’s recovery

(MENAFN) On Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that international cooperation is crucial for Syria’s gradual recovery, as investment begins to return despite years of war-related destruction. He stressed that joint efforts by regional countries, Europe, and the US are helping lay the groundwork for reconstruction, even though major challenges remain.

Fidan noted that reconstruction progress is slow but ongoing, with investments gradually taking shape. People returning to Syria need functional infrastructure and access to basic services, which is essential for stabilizing communities and supporting economic recovery.

Addressing control and governance, Fidan said that while the Syrian administration has largely regained control over the country, some areas remain problematic. In particular, regions under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) require resolution through the framework of the March 10 agreement, which seeks to integrate the SDF into state institutions and prevent further conflict.

Fidan expressed concern about southern Syria, describing it as perhaps the country’s biggest risk area. He pointed to frequent and violent Israeli military incursions since the overthrow of Bashar Assad in December 2024, noting that while the situation is manageable, Israel’s involvement increases the risk and requires close monitoring.

Finally, Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s role in reconstruction efforts, emphasizing ongoing projects and the close geographic and economic ties between the two countries. He said there is significant potential in trade, transportation, and connectivity, but stressed that restoring stability within Syria must come first before these opportunities can be fully realized.

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