Al-Shibani’s Turkey visit highlights SDF talks
By Norman al-Abbas
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian political analyst HUssam Talib said on Thursday that Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani’s visit to Turkey was a diplomatic move focused on the file of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
On Wednesday, a Syrian delegation led by al-Shibani, the foreign minister in Syria’s transitional government, arrived in Ankara for talks with Turkish officials. According to Talib, the visit took place within the framework of ongoing coordination between Damascus and Ankara, with the SDF issue reportedly present in discussions.
Talib told North Press that Turkey stressed quick implementation of the March 10 agreement, while the SDF “does not wish to hand over its weapons” and talks with Damascus continue.
He further said that a planned meeting in Paris was halted over what he described as attempts by the SDF to steer discussions in its favor. According to Taleb, Ankara sent a firm message during the latest Syria–Turkey meeting, rejecting any form of self-rule or federal system for the SDF-administered regions in Syria.
The Syrian analyst added that coordination between Damascus and Ankara is aimed at preventing the SDF’s presence along the Syrian–Turkish border. He noted that Turkey “does not want to escalate militarily against the SDF,” while Damascus seeks to convince Ankara that a political resolution is the best option to avoid an expansion of the conflict.
Separately, Talib referred to a recent meeting in Amman involving representatives from Syria, the United States, and Jordan. He said the talks, attended by US envoy Thomas Barrack and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, were part of regular coordination between the three countries. The discussions reportedly focused on assisting Syria in overcoming its crises while preserving the country’s unity and sovereignty.
Talib noted that this Amman meeting built on a previous round held on July 19, which he said contributed to easing tensions, particularly regarding aid delivery to the southern province of Suwayda. He also mentioned that participants reiterated their rejection of ongoing Israeli military actions inside Syrian territory.
He added that the current situation could see developments in US mediation efforts between Syria and Israel, amid continuing Israeli strikes on Syrian soil.
No official statements were issued by the Syrian Foreign Ministry regarding the outcome of al-Shibani’s Ankara visit. Further diplomatic engagements between Damascus and Ankara are expected in the coming weeks.