Turkish and Syrian foreign ministers discuss enhancing relations and activating joint high committee in Ankara

Istanbul, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaybani, on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and activate the High Joint Commission between the two countries. Turkish news agency Anadolu reported on Thursday evening that sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Fidan met with al-Shaybani in Ankara, noting that the discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties.

Turkey and Syria are seeking to activate the High Joint Commission, which will oversee the coordination of political, diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation, as well as issues related to energy, the return of refugees, education, and culture, according to previous statements by al-Shaybani.

On September 13, al-Shaybani said during a joint press conference with Fidan in Damascus that the commission is based on a co-presidency, regular periodic meetings, and a permanent secretariat to follow up on decisions, supported by specialized sectoral committees.

In a related development, Anadolu reported that Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin discussed bilateral relations and areas of joint cooperation with al-Shaybani earlier on Thursday. The two also discussed developments following the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and ways to continue coordination in combating terrorist organizations, primarily the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), as well as relations with neighboring countries and regional stability.

According to the agency, the two sides also addressed the ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Syria and discussed the impact of the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria and its contribution to enhancing Syria’s defensive capabilities. (End)