Al-Shaibani: We condemn any attacks targeting Gulf states, as their stability is a fundamental pillar of the regional security architecture

Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani condemned the attacks targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, affirming that the region is clearly moving toward consolidating a foundation for stability based on ending any armed formations outside the legitimate framework.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, al-Shaibani said, “We express our condemnation of any attacks targeting Gulf states, as the stability of the Gulf countries is a fundamental pillar of the regional security system,” calling for the Gulf states to be neutralized from the conflict.

The Syrian minister noted that counter-terrorism forms the cornerstone of the partnership between Syria and Turkey, emphasizing that Damascus and Ankara recognize that counter-terrorism is the foundation of the bilateral relationship, and that a unified Syria represents the optimal barrier for protecting their shared border.

He announced that both sides agreed “to support the efforts and steps led by our brothers in Iraq and Lebanon to enhance the sovereignty of their countries and confine weapons within their official institutions.”

He pointed out that the shared border between Syria and Turkey would remain a corridor for trade, prosperity, and mutual security, clarifying that the talks addressed the file of Syrians’ return to their homeland as a Syrian national priority, with efforts underway to establish a practical track with the Turkish side to directly and effectively link return projects with early recovery programs.

For his part, Fidan affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Syria and cooperating with it in various fields, stressing that Syria’s security and stability are essential for regional stability. He stated that Ankara is working to develop relations with Syria, increase trade volume between the two countries, expand the number of border crossings, and support the infrastructure of banks, transport, and reconstruction projects.

Fidan noted that Turkey is working to develop and facilitate economic relations between Syria and Turkey, and to increase the number of crossings between the two countries, while simultaneously announcing efforts to establish a joint Syrian-Turkish university on Syrian territory.

He added that Turkey is working with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria to develop transport and connectivity routes among our countries, indicating that his country seeks to elevate relations with Syria through new projects in various sectors.

The Turkish minister clarified that cooperation with Damascus specifically covers the files of the economy and counter-terrorism, ensuring Syria’s security and stability, as well as the stability of the region as a whole, stressing that Syria is a state that contributes to making peace in the region.

Al-Shaibani’s visit to Ankara comes a day after Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara met with the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, in Damascus. In this context, the Turkish minister emphasized the necessity of ending the integration phase in Syria quickly without obstruction.

Regarding the continuous violations in southern Syria, Fidan said, “We stress the necessity of stopping Israeli attacks on Syria, and we call on everyone to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria, and to pressure Israel in this regard.”