Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria's newly appointed leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Sunday, emphasising unity and stability in the war-torn nation while urging the international community to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria.

The visit comes two weeks after al-Sharaa assumed leadership following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the diplomatic engagement aimed at discussing Syria’s new political structure.

Addressing a joint press conference, Fidan pledged Ankara’s support for Syria’s political transition and reconstruction efforts. “Turkiye will continue to stand by your side.

Hopefully, the darkest days of Syria are behind us, and better days await,” said Fidan, adding that international sanctions on Damascus should be lifted “as soon as possible.”

Fidan also highlighted the need for global cooperation to aid Syria’s recovery and facilitate the return of millions of displaced Syrians.

Al-Sharaa, in his first public appearance since taking power, echoed the call for sanctions relief, stressing their detrimental impact on the Syrian people. “All economic sanctions must be lifted. Now the predator is gone, and only the victims remain.

These unjust sanctions have existed for decades and must be removed swiftly to help us rebuild our country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, rose to power after years of conflict that saw hundreds of thousands killed and millions displaced. The war, which began in 2011 as an uprising against al-Assad’s rule, evolved into a complex conflict involving multiple foreign actors, including Turkiye.

During the meeting, both sides discussed drafting a new Syrian constitution to safeguard minority rights, addressing the issue of Syrian refugees, and combating the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), which Turkiye classifies as a terrorist organisation.

Lebanese Druze leader meets Al-Sharaa

In a related development, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt also met with al-Sharaa in Damascus on Sunday, becoming the first Lebanese figure to visit Syria’s new administration.

The meeting comes amid regional concerns over minority rights under Syria’s new leadership, including protections for Kurds, Christians, Alawites, and Druze communities.

Al-Sharaa reassured minorities, stating, “We take pride in our culture and religion. Being part of the Islamic environment does not mean exclusion. On the contrary, we must protect all sects.”

Lebanese media broadcasted Jumblatt’s visit and underscores the growing interest among neighbouring countries in engaging with Syria’s emerging political landscape.

Regional implications

Fidan’s visit occurred as clashes continue in northeastern Syria between Turkiye-backed Syrian forces and the YPG. Turkiye, which has supported opposition factions throughout the conflict, also hosts millions of Syrian refugees and is eager to facilitate their return.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Damascus, Resul Sardar, noted that Turkiye has supported Syria’s new administration, particularly in preserving state institutions and rebuilding essential governance structures.