• Fidan urged limited deal in Black Sea to ensure safe commercial navigation if comprehensive ceasefire cannot be reached in Ukraine war

ANKARA

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Saturday that international cooperation is critical to Syria’s recovery, as investment slowly begins to return despite widespread destruction from years of war.

Fidan told a local television channel that joint efforts by regional countries, as well as European and US partners, are helping lay the groundwork for reconstruction, even as major challenges remain.

“Investments in Syria are gradually starting to take shape, but the scale of destruction is enormous,” he said. “There are people returning, and those returning need infrastructure that will allow them to live and access basic services.”

Addressing criticism from Europe and the US that the current administration does not fully control Syria, Fidan said Türkiye believes control has largely been established, though some problem areas remain.

He pointed to regions under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, saying outstanding issues there need to be resolved within the framework of the March 10 agreement -- a deal to integrate the SDF into state institutions and avoid further conflict.

He said the SDF should stop delaying the process by citing the threat posed by ISIS or other justifications, stressing that the issue extends beyond internal security.

“This is not only about Syria’s security; it is also about Türkiye,” he said. “These groups are extensions of the PKK, and there is an ongoing process with the PKK that includes a decision to dissolve. We want to see the impact of that decision not only within our borders but beyond them as well.”

Asked whether the SDF is being emboldened by Israel, Fidan said it is, adding it is not a new development.

He also described southern Syria as a key area of concern.

“The south is perhaps our biggest risk area at the moment,” he said, adding that while the situation itself is manageable, Israel’s involvement increases the risk and requires close monitoring. Israeli military incursions have become frequent and violent since the overthrow of Bashar Assad last December.

Fidan said Türkiye is carrying out projects in Syria and emphasized the close geographic and economic ties between the two neighbors.

“There is significant potential in terms of trade, transportation and connectivity. But first, stability needs to be restored within the country,” he said.

War in Ukraine

The foreign minister said he spoke by phone before the interview with US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and discussed developments in Gaza and the war in Ukraine.

Fidan said the status of remaining territory in the Donbas region was a central issue in the discussion, noting that Russia and Ukraine have put forward differing positions.

He said the issue could eventually be addressed through elections or referendums in Ukraine, and some elements of a potential agreement may be too sensitive for political leaders to approve unilaterally.

Black Sea tensions

Turning to rising tensions in the Black Sea, Fidan warned that recent attacks on commercial shipping risk a wider escalation and threaten regional trade.

“While the flags may be different, the operating companies are often Turkish, and Turkish crew members may be on board,” said Fidan. “Thankfully, no Turkish crew members have been injured so far. Another incident occurred today, and our transport minister is closely monitoring all these maritime incidents with us.”

He added that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“If a comprehensive ceasefire and peace agreement cannot be reached, we are calling for a limited agreement in two areas: refraining from attacks on energy infrastructure and ensuring the safety of commercial navigation in the Black Sea,” he said.

Fidan added that the previous grain deal had shown such arrangements were feasible.

“That agreement protected not only grain vessels but all ships from being targeted. For a significant period, trade in the Black Sea continued without disruption despite the war. There is now a renewed need for a similar arrangement,” he said.