Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's recent visit to the United Arab Emirates has sparked renewed discussions on regional stability, particularly with regard to the war-torn nation of Syria. During his meeting on December 25 with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Fidan emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two nations as they navigate the shifting political terrain following significant upheaval in Syria.
The meeting, which took place in Abu Dhabi, was marked by discussions on efforts to establish stability not just within Syria, but across the broader region. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Fidan and Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Both leaders acknowledged the pressing need to support Syria as it transitions from years of conflict and the recent political changes marked by the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
Fidan's visit came shortly after anti-regime forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, successfully captured Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia. This marked one of the most significant turning points for the Middle East, ending the long-standing rule of the Assad family. Following these dramatic events, Fidan's discussions about Syria took center stage during his meetings with high-ranking UAE officials, including Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security of the UAE.
Turkish officials have expressed concerns over the potential for continued instability and violence in Syria, underscoring the need for both Türkiye and the UAE to collaborate. The focus was directed at establishing pathways to improve economic conditions and security within Syria, which currently faces immense challenges as it attempts to rebuild after the violent and tumultuous regime change.
Fidan also held separate discussions earlier with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, where both ministers shared insights gained from their respective dialogues with officials from the new Syrian administration. Fidan publicly noted the importance of supporting Syria during this pivotal transition, stating, "Syria has entered a new chapter with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime." This statement not only highlights the magnitude of the change but also reflects Türkiye's broader strategic interest in ensuring the stability of its southern neighbor.
The meetings signal both nations' desire to strengthen ties amid rapidly changing dynamics within the Middle East, as they aim to forge cooperative strategies addressing not just Syrian stability but also regional security. They are aimed at curtailing the influence of extremist groups and mitigating the refugee crisis exacerbated by the civil war’s violence. Both leaders are aware of the importance of regional allies working synergistically for lasting peace and security after years of turmoil.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry's confirmation of the fruitful dialogues reflects Ankara's commitment to engaging with its neighbors on pivotal issues. By fostering diplomatic relationships and enhancing collaborative efforts, Türkiye and the UAE seek to create frameworks aimed at stabilizing Syria and, by extension, the region as a whole. The recent developments have drawn significant attention on the diplomatic front, with both nations working to assert their roles as key players amid the shifting geopolitical climate.
Looking forward, the collaboration between Türkiye and the UAE is poised to have significant ramifications not just within Syria but also across the Middle East as nations start to redefine their foreign policies based on the recent changes. Fidan's visit, compounded by discussions on mutual interests, may lead to new strategies for addressing issues of common concern, creating foundations for enduring peace and cooperation.
Expectations remain high as the dialogue continues and both nations express their commitment to assist Syria on its path to becoming safe, stable, and prosperous once again.
