16/01/2025

Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaybani emphasizes inclusive constitutional reform during visit to Turkey

ANKARA — In his first official visit to Turkey, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani underscored the commitment of Syria’s current administration to inclusive governance. He emphasized that the administration does not seek to concentrate power in the hands of any single group but instead aims to amend the Syrian constitution with the participation of all societal factions.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Minister al-Shaybani in Ankara on Monday. The closed-door meeting, attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, was reported by Anadolu Agency.

Following the meeting, al-Shaybani and his Turkish counterpart held a joint press conference to discuss the situation in Syria and the state of bilateral relations between the two countries.

National Dialogue and Constitutional Amendments

As Syria prepares for a comprehensive national dialogue conference, al-Shaybani reiterated the administration’s commitment to shared governance. Speaking in an interview with Turkey’s TRT network, he stated, “The current constitution does not reflect the will of the people.” He further explained that the new administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to reform the constitution with the cooperation of all societal groups to ensure it represents the collective aspirations of the Syrian people.

Addressing Divisions

Al-Shaybani acknowledged the societal divisions caused by the Assad regime and affirmed the administration’s goal of fostering unity. “The Assad regime divided society, and we are striving to rectify that,” he said. He also stressed the importance of preventing geographical or ethnic fragmentation of the country.

Looking ahead, Al-Shaybani highlighted the administration’s focus on drafting a new constitution and holding general elections. He noted that preparations for these initiatives could take approximately four years, underscoring the administration’s long-term vision for a unified and democratic Syria.