The official announcement has been made by Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad that Syria would not be attending the 15th Turkish-Arab Economic Forum, which is set to take place in Istanbul in October. Mekdad’s move, which reflects the continuous hostilities between Syria and Turkey, stems from a fundamental demand that Syria has made time and time again: Turkey must leave Syrian territory. Mekdad’s insistence that talks between the two countries cannot start until this fundamental issue is resolved indicated a hardening of Syria’s position on this crucial geopolitical issue.
Mekdad answered questions from journalists about the current situation of relations between Turkey and Syria at a news conference held at the Syrian Embassy in Cairo. In reference to Turkish soldiers operating in northern Syria, he restated Syria’s unambiguous and uncompromising demands. Mekdad asserts that before any discussion or improvement in relations can be considered, these conditions must be met.
TERMS FIRST, NEGOTIATIONS SECOND
Syria decided not to participate in the Turkish-Arab Economic Forum in Istanbul as a direct result of these unresolved territorial disputes, according to the newspaper Al Jamhour. The event, which was intended to foster economic cooperation between Turkey and Arab countries, will now take place without Syrian participation, a sign of the severe differences that exist between Damascus and Ankara. Mekdad made it plain that unless Turkey removes its military forces from northern Syria, which Damascus views as an occupation, any engagement or negotiating process between Syria and Turkey will be off the table.
Mekdad emphasized that Syria will not compromise on this issue and insisted that any negotiations would need Turkey to leave Syrian territory. He continued by saying that the greatest barrier to the restoration of any normal relations between the two nations is still Turkey’s position in northern Syria, where it has constructed military bases and sponsored some rebel groups.
Mekdad expounded on Syria’s stance in a different interview with the Arab media outlet 963+, highlighting that the regime’s top priority is for Turkey to take a definite and unequivocal stand on its military involvement in Syria. “One of the most important demands is for Turkey to take a position that cannot be misinterpreted—Turkey must withdraw from the territories it occupies in northern Syria,” Mekdad asserted forcefully. This declaration is consistent with the larger strategy of the Assad administration to retake all of Syria, especially in light of the conflict’s ultimate stage, which is centered on establishing Syrian sovereignty.
Mekdad clarified that discussing the more general worries and difficulties between the two countries would not be feasible until Turkey withdrew. He called this a “basic requirement,” pointing out that genuine talks or attempts to ease the long-standing tensions between Damascus and Ankara would be impossible without it.
The Syrian Foreign Minister continued by making it clear that as long as Turkish forces are present on Syrian territory, Syria would not be able to normalize relations with Turkey. Mekdad stated, “Normal relations between the two countries cannot be established while there is an occupation,” reiterating the position of the dictatorship. He continued by saying that Syria would be prepared to hold negotiations whenever Turkey decided to leave Syrian territory.
ARAB LEAGUE MEETING: FURTHER TENSIONS
At the 162nd Arab League Foreign Ministers’ Council Meeting, which took place in Cairo the day before, Mekdad also talked about his choice to forego a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The two ministers’ inability to meet indicates the continued strain in relations between Turkey and Syria. “All Arab countries are aware of the current situation and the conditions put forward by President Bashar al-Assad,” Mekdad said in response to a question.
During Fidan’s address, the Syrian delegation, led by Mekdad, left the auditorium to show that they disagreed with Turkey’s position. The Turkish Foreign Minister’s words were met with only one member of the Syrian delegation remaining in the room, a symbolic gesture that highlighted the tense relations between the two nations.
Mekdad’s remarks emphasize the ongoing standoff between Syria and Turkey, where the main obstacle to peace remains territorial disputes in northern Syria. The likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough appears slim as long as both countries stick to their views, especially considering Syria’s reluctance to take part in important regional gatherings like the Turkish-Arab Economic Forum. The impasse highlights the more complex situation in the Middle East, where historical grievances, military interventions, and geopolitical rivalry continue to influence diplomacy.
