Turkey’s foreign minister urges cooperation between Iraq, Syria to ease tensions

BAGHDAD — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed optimism about possible cooperation between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Shara, suggesting their leadership could help resolve long-standing tensions and promote regional stability.

In an interview with UTV, Fidan said Turkey recently held talks with several regional countries — “including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and even Saudi Arabia” — to discuss security concerns related to Syria.

Addressing historical differences between Iraq and Syria, Fidan called for what he described as visionary leadership.

“We believe both Al-Shara and Sudani can demonstrate mature leadership to overcome these issues, set them aside, and instead focus on the future of both countries,” he said.

Some excerpts of Fidan’s interview on UTV:

We met with several countries regarding Syria, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and even Saudi Arabia, and conveyed specific messages to Ahmad al-Shara (al-Jolani). We clearly communicated our demands: do not pose a threat to Syria’s neighboring countries, have no connections with terrorist organizations, respect minorities, and adopt a firm stance supporting Syria’s territorial integrity. Al-Shara responded to all these demands without hesitation, and as of now, we see he is committed to this position.

Regarding Iraq and the new Syrian administration, there are historically rooted positions. However, we believe both al-Shara and Sudani can demonstrate mature leadership to overcome these issues, set them aside, and instead focus on the future of both countries.

As regional states, regardless of historical conflicts, leaders bear the responsibility of pursuing the well-being of their peoples. I personally believe that Mr. al-Shara poses no threat, and Iraqi groups should abandon the perception of Syria as a threat.

No power can overcome Turkey, Syria, and Iraq when we unite. No issue is insurmountable if we stand together on a single platform—whether terrorism threats or drug trafficking, nothing can prevent us from achieving solutions.

Al-Shara’s policy explicitly avoids creating threats toward any state, including Israel. If Israel perceives this as a security threat, it should state this clearly and respectfully, acknowledging the sovereignty of regional states.

Currently, Israel holds two perspectives: one seeks to build relationships and mutual trust with regional states to secure Israel’s safety, while the other prefers continuous instability and conflict as a strategy for Israel’s security. Netanyahu follows this second approach.

Syria joining the Development Road initiative is possible, according to specific frameworks.