Türkiye's intelligence chief hosts Syrian foreign minister in Ankara

National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin hosted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in Ankara on Thursday for wide-ranging talks on bilateral cooperation, regional security developments and the integration of Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state apparatus, according to Turkish security sources.

Regional security and economic files

The discussions addressed Türkiye-Syria relations, developments in Lebanon and the political and economic repercussions of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war on the region, the sources said. Both officials also examined international sanctions on Syria, potential investment opportunities and the implications of Ankara's proposed Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion for Damascus.

Counterterrorism and SDF integration

Kalin and Shaibani reviewed progress in the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into state structures, emphasizing that constructive steps are being taken to complete the process successfully. They reaffirmed joint commitment to combating the Daesh terrorist group and strengthening border security cooperation to prevent infiltration and arms smuggling across the frontier.

The meeting comes as Damascus seeks to maintain neutrality regarding the US-Israel-Iran war while consolidating internal security. Syrian officials have prioritized economic normalization with regional partners amid ongoing reconstruction efforts.