Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister Meets Erdogan Amidst Ongoing Clashes in Latakia

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Turkey, meeting President Erdogan amidst ongoing Latakia clashes. Al-Shaibani aims to strengthen ties while Turkey continues to support opposition forces against Assad. Concurrently, the SDF repelled an SNA offensive near Tishrin Dam, continuing violent encounters in northeast Syria.

Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during his inaugural visit to Turkey since his appointment. The discussions took place behind closed doors at Ankara’s presidential complex. Al-Shaibani emphasized the significance of this meeting, stating that they represent the new Syria and acknowledged Turkey’s longstanding support for the Syrian people.

This visit comes amid ongoing clashes in Latakia province between remnants of pro-Assad forces and the new Syrian government, following the deaths of two Military Security members and the capture of seven others. The tensions highlight the complexities of Syria’s conflict and the ongoing efforts by the interim government to assert its control in the region.

Al-Shaibani, who is on a diplomatic tour of several Middle Eastern nations, aims to strengthen relations with Turkey. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra. His agenda also includes discussions on aiding the post-Assad recovery and establishing strategic relations with Turkey.

In a parallel conflict, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) successfully repelled an offensive from the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) near the Tishrin Dam. This incident underscores the increasingly violent nature of the situation in northeast Syria, including significant casualties on both sides as control of critical strategic locations continues to be contested.

The meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Turkish officials occurs in a heated context marked by ongoing military clashes in various Syrian regions. Turkey has played a crucial role in supporting opposition forces during the Syrian Civil War, significantly contributing to the dynamics of the political landscape post-Assad. Additionally, the SDF has faced persistent assaults from the SNA, which emphasizes the fractures within the Syrian conflict landscape and the struggle for territorial control among various factions.

The recent meeting between Syria’s interim Foreign Minister and Turkish leaders reflects an effort to foster diplomatic relations and aid Syria’s recovery in the aftermath of the Assad regime. Amidst persistent clashes in Latakia and other regions, these developments highlight the ongoing struggles for power and control within Syria. The engagement signifies a critical flashpoint in the broader regional geopolitics as various factions vie for influence and authority.

Original Source: www.newarab.com