Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is scheduled to visit Türkiye on August 6 for discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on security, stability, and bilateral cooperation. The talks will cover a range of topics, including efforts to ensure lasting stability in Syria, counterterrorism collaboration, and the expansion of institutional ties between the two nations. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, the meeting aims to assess progress made in restoring security and order in Syria, particularly in light of the country’s evolving political landscape. The discussions will include an evaluation of Syria’s growing counterterrorism capabilities, which have improved significantly since the fall of the Assad regime. Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Syria in this area. The two ministers will also explore ways to expand collaboration beyond security, touching on economic development, social reconciliation, and infrastructure rebuilding. Institutional frameworks for these partnerships will be a focal point, with both sides looking to formalize agreements that can guide future interactions. A key topic of discussion will be the integration of northeastern Syria into the central government, a process that has drawn close attention from Türkiye. This includes the incorporation of former members of the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK, into Syria’s security apparatus. Approximately 9,000 former YPG fighters have already been integrated into the Syrian military and police forces, with many assigned to roles in the Defense and Interior ministries. The process involves removing non-Syrian members of the YPG from the country and ensuring that the group transitions from a militant organization to a legitimate part of Syria’s security structure. The integration of the YPG has been a contentious issue, marked by clashes earlier this year after the group allegedly violated an agreement to merge with the Syrian state. Following renewed military pressure from Syrian security forces, the YPG reached a new accord with Damascus, leading to the deployment of government troops to key cities in northeast Syria and the handover of control over vital assets like airports and oil fields. Despite these developments, challenges remain in fully integrating all YPG units into the Syrian military, and some Kurdish communities are still awaiting the return of displaced individuals. The talks will also touch on regional dynamics, particularly the impact of Israeli actions on Syria’s stability. Fidan is expected to criticize Israel’s policies, arguing they undermine Syria’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and security. He may also urge the international community to intervene to halt Israeli attacks on Gaza, even as a second phase of a peace plan is reportedly underway. Additionally, Fidan is likely to emphasize the importance of resolving the situation in southern Lebanon, where Israel’s continued presence is viewed as a major obstacle to regional stability. Separately, Iraqi Kurdish leader Nechirvan Barzani met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa earlier this week, marking the first visit by a KRG leader to post-Assad Syria. Their discussions centered on the integration of the YPG into Syria’s new administration and the broader implications for Kurdish communities. Barzani expressed support for the agreement between Damascus and the YPG, hoping it would lead to greater protections for Kurdish rights in the upcoming constitution. The meeting also included talks on economic cooperation and security matters, reflecting the shared interests of both regions in maintaining stability. Meanwhile, in Ankara, Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın met with senior Libyan officials on August 4 to discuss security and regional stability. The meetings with Libyan Deputy Defense Minister Abdul Salam al-Zoubi and National Security Adviser Ibrahim Dbeibeh focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and preserving peace in Libya. Kalın emphasized Türkiye’s continued support for Libya’s unity and stability, pledging to work closely with Libyan authorities on counterterrorism, migration, and other pressing issues. In a separate session, Kalın met with Libyan Interior Minister Imad al-Trabelsi to explore additional measures to bolster security and development in the North African nation.
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