Fidan: The reason for the outbreak of conflicts in Syria is the unresolved issues in the country for the past 13 years.

After the clashes between opposition groups and Bashar al-Assad's forces began in Syria, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who went to Damascus yesterday, met today with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara. The two ministers held a joint press conference after their meeting.

Minister Fidan stated during the conference that they reviewed both the developments in Syria and the region as well as bilateral relations in their meeting with Araghchi. Fidan noted that they are working on new mechanisms and agreements with Iran, emphasizing the need to improve border crossings and transportation routes.

"COOPERATION WITH IRAN AGAINST TERRORISM WILL CONTINUE"

Fidan also expressed that Turkey and Iran will continue their cooperation against terrorism, adding, "There is a consensus between Iran and Turkey against both the PKK and its extensions." Regarding the Israeli attacks, Fidan said: "We welcome the ceasefire in Lebanon. The genocide in Gaza continues. The Netanyahu government is preventing humanitarian aid from entering the region. No development taking place should make us forget Gaza. The ICC's arrest warrant is promising."

"WE WILL SUPPORT THE PROTECTION OF SYRIA'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY"

Fidan continued his speech as follows; "It would be wrong to try to explain the events in Syria with any external intervention. The Astana process stopped the clashes; the reason for the start of the clashes in Syria is the unresolved issues of the country for 13 years. It was a mistake for the regime not to be involved in the political process. Attacks on civilians reignited the civil war. We supported and will support the protection of Syria's territorial integrity."

"WE ARE CLOSELY MONITORING DEVELOPMENTS"

We are closely monitoring developments related to Syria. Our relevant institutions are following up day and night. This is an issue that has evolved over the last 13 years. We have assessed how steps can be taken in the new period by accounting for the last 13 years. Stopping the civil war with the Astana process was a very significant achievement. Turkey, Russia, and Iran have a major share in this process. The opposition and the regime followed this framework.

"WE DO NOT WANT THE ESCALATION OF THE CIVIL WAR"

Our President emphasized that this issue should be resolved through dialogue. We will soon revive the Astana process. We do not want the escalation of the civil war. We do not want the destruction of cities and the displacement of people. On the contrary, it is extremely important for the flow of refugees to stop and reverse.