Syria, Turkey discuss rail link, trade, border security
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Thursday discussed expanding economic cooperation, strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing security coordination during talks in Damascus.
Speaking at a joint press conference, al-Shaibani said the two sides discussed accelerating the activation of the Four Seas Committee, describing Syria as the shortest and most viable hub for global trade routes because of its geographic location.
He said Syria is pushing forward with a railway project linking Syria with Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Al-Shaibani also called on regional countries to strengthen border security, saying Syria continues to face threats from armed groups operating outside state authority.
He added that Damascus and Ankara placed shared political and economic issues at the top of their agenda, including reactivating bilateral economic and trade agreements.
Al-Shaibani said both countries recognize that stability and continued success in combating terrorism are the foundation of their partnership, adding that a unified Syria free of terrorism and militias forms a strong barrier for protecting the shared borders.
He also said the region is moving toward a framework based on eliminating armed formations operating outside legitimate state institutions, adding that Syria and Turkey agreed to support efforts led by Iraq and Lebanon in that regard.
Al-Shaibani said Syria continues diplomatic efforts to halt repeated Israeli attacks in southern Syria.
Fidan said Turkey remains committed to supporting Syria across various sectors, particularly in the economy and counterterrorism, in a way that enhances Syria’s security and stability as well as regional stability.
He said Ankara is working to expand trade with Syria, increase the number of border crossings and support infrastructure projects in banking, transportation and reconstruction.
Fidan added that Turkey is cooperating with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria to develop regional transportation networks and cross-border connectivity.
He also reiterated Turkey’s call for an end to Israeli attacks on Syria and urged all parties to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.