ANKARA

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of addressing Syria's pressing needs, including the return of refugees, institutional rebuilding, and the restoration of basic public services.

"The urgent needs of the Syrian people cannot be delayed anymore, because we've got to get all the refugees back to Syria," Fidan said in an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Wednesday.

"The basic services -- health, transportation, food, education, communication -- should be provided to the people, so the people can feel the normal life actually," he added.

Fidan noted that institutional collapse in Syria has left millions without access to essential services, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

"What we are seeing in Syria today is the breakdown of a functioning state, where even basic services like health care and education have been disrupted,” he said.

He responded to claims about Türkiye’s role in the regime change in Syria, referencing comments by US President-elect Donald Trump, who described the incident as “an unfriendly takeover.”

“Well, I think first of all, let me say this: We wouldn't call it a takeover, because it would be a grave mistake to present what's been happening in Syria. For the Syrian people, it is not a takeover. I think if there is any takeover, it's the will of the Syrian people which is taking over now,” he said.

Fidan stressed that Türkiye’s role in Syria is not about domination but about cooperation.

“The lessons we have learned from the region are clear. Domination culture has done nothing but fuel instability and suffering,” he said, indicating that “cooperation and solidarity must be our guiding principles moving forward.”

The Turkish minister, drawing on his experience as Türkiye’s former intelligence chief, emphasized his country’s close monitoring of developments in Syria’s Idlib and surrounding areas.

“HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) has taken huge steps in divorcing itself from Al Qaeda, Daesh/ISIS and other radical elements,” he said, pointing to a shift within the coalition.

Fidan elaborated that such transformations were critical for building trust among regional and international stakeholders.

“We need to see concrete steps from all groups to ensure they align with the international fight against extremism,” he added.

“We have been following this process for years, especially during my tenure as intelligence director. We can now see a significant transformation within the group,” he added, suggesting that recent steps could be a turning point in the region.

Addressing Syria’s future, he highlighted Ankara’s support for a unified and inclusive opposition to stabilize the country.

“We are making constructive efforts for all opposition groups to come together and form a unified government,” he noted, stressing the urgent need to rebuild institutions and address the basic needs of the Syrian people.

Shattered infrastructure

Fidan emphasized the need for rebuilding Syria’s shattered public infrastructure.

“Hospitals, schools and transport systems are in ruins. Without restoring these, we cannot expect normalcy to return for the Syrian people,” he said.

He also called on regional players to support the new Syrian administration constructively.

“What Syria needs now is solidarity and pragmatic solutions, not further fragmentation,” he said.

He reiterated Türkiye’s key objectives in Syria, which are preventing mass migration and combating terrorism.

While he expressed optimism about recent progress, he further underscored the need for continued cooperation among regional and international actors.

“The right steps are being taken, but we need time to see how this evolves,” he said.

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye's willingness to work with international stakeholders, including neighboring countries like Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, to ensure long-term peace.

He pointed to ongoing diplomatic engagements with both regional and global actors.

“We are in active discussions with all parties, including Iran, Russia and Western partners, to find a comprehensive political solution to Syria’s crisis,” he stated.

He reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, rejecting any division of the country along ethnic or sectarian lines.

“The Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen people of Syria must live where they belong. Their forced displacement must stop,” Fidan said.

His remarks reflect Türkiye’s vision for a stable Syria and signal a broader effort to foster regional collaboration during the transition period.

“The rebuilding process will take time, but the first step is restoring security and trust among the Syrian people,” Fidan said, underlining Türkiye's readiness to assist Syria in areas such as governance, economic stabilization and technical expertise.

Fidan concluded by stressing that Türkiye’s ultimate goal in Syria is peace, stability and the safe return of refugees.

“We are not there to impose any vision. We are there to support the Syrian people in reclaiming their future,” he said.