ANKARA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and visiting Syrian foreign chief Asaad al-Shaibani on Thursday pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation on security and regional affairs.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara, Fidan said the prosperity and stability of Türkiye and Syria cannot be considered separately, adding that Türkiye will further deepen cooperation and coordination with Syria in counterterrorism, defense, and security.
Fidan stressed that ensuring the uninterrupted progress of Syria's integration remains Türkiye's priority. "Integrating all armed forces under a legitimate central government structure is crucial to Syria's unity and regional stability," he said.
Al-Shaibani described counterterrorism as a cornerstone of bilateral diplomacy and said Syria is taking steps to strengthen state authority by dismantling unlawful armed groups.
He added that Damascus and Ankara are working to establish a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council to strengthen cooperation.
The Syrian foreign chief also welcomed a planned railway project linking Syria, Türkiye, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, saying it would serve as a geographical, economic and diplomatic bridge among the four countries.
The two sides also discussed regional issues and expressed support for efforts to resume negotiations between the United States and Iran. Enditem
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