Turkish Defense Ministry: Turkey Seeking Quick Normalization of Relations with Syria

According to SAEDNEWS, Turkey’s Minister of Defense, Yasar Güler, announced that Turkey aims for a swift normalization of relations with Syria, stating that there are "no insoluble problems" between Ankara and Damascus.

In an interview with the newspaper Hurriyet, Güler emphasized that "early termination of the conflict in the working atmosphere will be in the interest of both parties." He assured that any issues between the two nations can be resolved, allowing them to develop their relationship as neighboring countries once again.

Güler also referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's willingness to meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad. He noted that Damascus has responded positively to Ankara's initiative for dialogue.

According to previous reports from Hurriyet, the first meeting between Erdogan and Assad in 11 years is planned for August. This meeting will likely take place in Baghdad and at the Kessab checkpoint along the Turkey-Syria border. Discussions are underway regarding negotiations between representatives from the foreign and defense ministries of both countries, which may lead to a personal meeting between the two leaders.

Erdogan announced on June 28 his readiness to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, which were severed in 2012. He further instructed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on July 12 to meet with his counterparts and prepare a roadmap for the normalization process. The president also highlighted that the territorial integrity of Syria aligns with Turkey's interests. Erdogan insisted that these dialogues should occur without preconditions, particularly concerning the presence of Turkish armed forces in Syria.