Ankara, December 14, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday underlined the importance of international cooperation in Syria’s reconstruction, noting that investment is slowly returning despite the extensive destruction caused by years of conflict.
Speaking to a local television channel, Fidan highlighted the role of regional partners, as well as European and US involvement, in laying the groundwork for Syria’s recovery, while acknowledging the significant challenges that remain.
“Investments in Syria are gradually starting to take shape, but the scale of destruction is enormous,” he said. “There are people returning, and those returning need infrastructure that will allow them to live and access basic services.”
Addressing criticism from Europe and the United States regarding the current administration’s control over Syria, Fidan said Türkiye believes that state control has largely been established, though some problem areas persist. He specifically referred to regions under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stressing that unresolved issues should be addressed under the March 10 agreement, which aims to integrate the SDF into state institutions and prevent further conflict.
Fidan warned that the SDF should not delay progress by citing threats from ISIS or other pretexts, stressing that the matter extends beyond internal security. “This is not only about Syria’s security; it is also about Türkiye,” he said, noting the links between these groups and the PKK. “We want to see the impact of that decision not only within our borders but beyond them as well.”
On the SDF’s ties with Israel, Fidan acknowledged the relationship, stating that it is not a new development. He also identified southern Syria as a major area of concern, citing Israel’s increased military activity in the region following the overthrow of Bashar Assad last December.
Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing projects in Syria, emphasizing the potential for trade, transportation, and connectivity between the two neighboring countries, but stressed that stability is a prerequisite for development.
War in Ukraine and Black Sea Tensions
The foreign minister also discussed recent international developments, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Black Sea. He said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff prior to the interview, discussing Gaza and the situation in Ukraine. Fidan noted that the remaining territory in Donbas is a key issue, with differing positions from Russia and Ukraine, and suggested that elections or referendums could potentially address the matter, though some elements of a future agreement may be too sensitive for unilateral approval by political leaders.
Regarding rising Black Sea tensions, Fidan warned that attacks on commercial shipping could escalate the conflict and disrupt regional trade. He emphasized that many vessels carry Turkish crew members, although no injuries have been reported so far. “Another incident occurred today, and our transport minister is closely monitoring all these maritime incidents with us,” he said.
Fidan added that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for a limited agreement to prevent attacks on energy infrastructure and ensure the safety of commercial navigation. He cited the previous grain deal as an example of a successful arrangement that safeguarded shipping despite ongoing conflict, underscoring the need for a renewed agreement to protect trade in the Black Sea.
