Damascus: Israel currently poses the greatest potential threat to Syria's stability, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated this week during a visit to Damascus. As developments in Syria move in a positive direction, Israel takes "destabilizing actions," Fidan told Turkish journalists on Monday during his visit. "Extremely critical developments are taking place in our region. During this process, we are increasing our contacts with Syria. We wanted to pay a two-day visit here. We have many issues to discuss," he said.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan noted the overnight visit was also an indication that life in Syria is beginning to return to normal. "We had a meeting with President Ahmad Sharaa that lasted about two hours. We discussed all issues," said Fidan. He emphasized that the threat with the greatest potential to destabilize Syria at the moment is Israel. "Thankfully, other issues concerning Syria have been moving in a positive direction for the past two years. They have been removed from the sanctions list, and there are no obstacles to economic investment. Their removal from the terrorism list was also extremely important," Fidan added.
Fidan mentioned that Syria needs time and has significant potential if stability is accompanied by good governance. "But Israel doesn't particularly like neighboring countries being strong and stable. It sees this as a threat to itself. Because of how it defines this threat, it engages in destabilizing actions against these countries," he continued. Fidan asserted that Syria wants to live in peace in its region, and at some point, Israel will either recognize this approach and accept living in peace with its region or continue its aggressive policies and become even more isolated within the international community.
Fidan stressed that the number one priority is for the SDF to cease being a threat, as he remarked on the positive messages announced in principle by the group. "We are closely following how the process proceeds in practice. We expect implementation to be consistent with the messages announced to the public," he stated. Last month, Trkiye's National Defense Ministry welcomed the announced dissolution of the SDF group and its integration into Syrian state institutions, calling it an important development for preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also spoke about the regional countries' approach toward Israel and the ongoing efforts to institutionalize the new Mecca Alliance, which includes Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. "We are making an effort based on cooperation and peaceful diplomacy in the face of Israel's destabilizing role in the region. God willing, the seed we have planted in the region will sprout and grow. If this constructive understanding grows, a larger zone of stability will emerge," Fidan said.
Fidan highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, stating that countries in the region see that stability is possible through joint efforts. He mentioned Erdogan's role in setting out a vision and bringing actors together, generating confidence in the process. Additionally, Fidan discussed the ongoing talks concerning the S-400 air defense systems and his recent visit to Diyarbakir, emphasizing the broad acceptance of the "Terror-Free Trkiye" process.