President of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT), İbrahim Kalın, held a series of high-level meetings in Syria this week as part of Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and strengthen bilateral relations with Damascus.
According to Turkish security sources, Kalın met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Faisal al-Shaybani, and Intelligence Chief General Ali Salameh in the Syrian capital. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political stability. Kalın reaffirmed that Türkiye remains committed to supporting Syria’s unity and future.
The talks also addressed sensitive issues such as the reintegration of all armed groups, including the PKK/YPG, into a new Syrian framework through disarmament, as well as cooperation on border security, management of border crossings, and the transfer of ISIS detainees and camps to Syrian authorities. Türkiye expressed readiness to offer technical and diplomatic support to the Syrian government on all these fronts.
Turkish Diplomacy Plays Key Role in Suwayda Ceasefire
Kalın’s visit comes in the wake of violent clashes in the southern city of Suwayda, involving Bedouin Arab groups and Druze militias. As tensions escalated, Türkiye intensified its diplomatic efforts through both its intelligence and foreign policy channels.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Intelligence Organization jointly conducted multi-layered diplomacy over the course of several days. Both Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın engaged directly with local actors, international officials, and regional powers to mediate the conflict and push for a ceasefire.
Security officials noted that Türkiye played a decisive role in brokering the ceasefire, with Kalın maintaining constant communication with the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria and Israeli counterparts, as well as conducting talks with Druze leader Walid Jumblatt.
Regional Security and Israeli Strikes Also on the Agenda
During his meetings, Kalın also raised concerns regarding Israel’s repeated airstrikes and airspace violations in Syria. Türkiye stressed the urgent need for all foreign interventions to respect Syria’s sovereignty, and called for the lifting of international sanctions against Syria, which continue to hinder the country’s reconstruction and humanitarian access.
The issue of voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees was also highlighted, with Türkiye reaffirming its interest in facilitating the repatriation process in coordination with Damascus.
Türkiye’s Role Acknowledged by Regional Leaders
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa later acknowledged Türkiye’s active role in achieving a ceasefire in Suwayda. “Without the decisive interventions of American, Arab, and Turkish mediators, the region could have faced an unknown fate,” he said.
Türkiye’s assertive involvement in resolving the recent Suwayda crisis underscores Ankara’s broader strategy of re-engagement with Damascus and a growing role in shaping post-conflict dynamics in Syria. It also reflects Türkiye’s aim to balance regional power competition, while securing its southern borders and stabilizing refugee flows.
