International Desk: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been ousted from power in a 12-day-long uprising. Turkey plays a major role in this. However, even though Assad has been ousted, stability has not yet returned to the country. Turkey is now working to restore it. In that vein, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Ankara on Thursday.
The two leaders are discussing important aspects of establishing stability in Syria after the overthrow of dictator Bashar Assad. The meeting, held at Esenboga Airport, was attended by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Chief Presidential Advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, and Communications Director Fahrettin Altun.
This is Blinken’s first visit to the region after the opposition forces toppled Assad. This visit comes after a visit to Jordan. Which is one of the biggest turning points for the Middle East.
Because NATO allies Washington and Ankara have been supporting the Syrian opposition forces in the last 13 years of civil war in Syria. And now they both want a new administration in Syria and for Syrians to determine their own future.
A statement on Blinken’s visit to Ankara said that Erdogan and Blinken discussed the latest developments in Syria. The Turkish president called on the international community to work together to rebuild institutions in Syria.
It also said that Turkey will take preventive measures against terrorist organizations in Syria for its national security. This includes the Syrian wing of the PKK, the YPG, which is supported by Washington under the guise of fighting the Daesh terrorist group. He also said that Ankara will not make any concessions in the fight against Daesh. At the same time, Turkey will prevent the PKK and its affiliates from taking advantage of the situation.
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that Blinken noted the US and Turkish interest in supporting a Syrian-led political transition to an accountable and inclusive government. Blinken will meet with Fidan on Friday. The Syria issue will top the agenda of talks between the two diplomats.
