Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the unwillingness of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to pursue peace in Syria, noting that discussions on the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria could only take place “after the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of free elections.”
Fidan made these remarks during a speech at the Turkish parliament on the 2025 Foreign Ministry budget debate, which ran into the early hours of Friday. He underscored that Turkey expects the Syrian regime to engage in the dialogue proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with “a strategic approach” and “a focus on the interests of the Syrian people.”
Regarding Erdogan’s invitation to meet with Bashar al-Assad and explore the normalization of relations between Ankara and Damascus, Fidan stated that the matter boils down to “political will,” highlighting that Erdogan had already expressed his commitment to this at the highest level.
“Game-changer”
“It is valuable for the leader of a democratic country (Erdogan) to make such statements,” Fidan noted, calling the move a “game-changer” in relations between the two nations.
In response to the Syrian regime’s demand for Turkish forces to withdraw from northern Syria as a condition for normalization, Fidan said Turkey “cannot discuss withdrawal until after the acceptance of a new constitution, the holding of elections, and securing the borders.” He added that the Assad administration’s stance seemed to suggest it was saying, “I don’t want to return to peace.”
Addressing Assad directly, Fidan said, “Let there be free elections, and whoever comes to power as a result, we are ready to work with him.”
In his speech, the Turkish foreign minister reiterated the core principles of Turkey’s policy toward Syria: the elimination of terrorist groups (including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and its Syrian affiliates), the preservation of Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, progress in the political process, and the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
