ANKARA, Dec 13 (Alliance News): In a significant diplomatic development, Turkey has appointed Burhan Koroglu as the charge d’affaires for its long-closed embassy in Syria’s capital, Damascus.
The announcement marks a step forward in Turkey’s efforts to re-establish diplomatic relations with Syria, despite ongoing tensions in the region.
This move comes after years of suspended diplomatic activity, as Turkey closed its embassy in Syria in 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war a year earlier.
The embassy, which had operated in Damascus since 1957, was shut down after Turkey’s diplomatic staff was recalled, and Turkey officially suspended all embassy activities.
Since then, Syria’s political landscape has been in a state of flux due to the ongoing civil war and the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
During a meeting of Turkish diplomats in Ankara earlier this week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed questions about when the embassy would officially reopen.
Minister Fidan revealed that Turkey would consider re-establishing its full diplomatic presence in Syria once the political situation allowed, specifically following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.
This remark highlighted Turkey’s ongoing concerns over the Syrian regime and its leadership, which it has largely opposed during the conflict.
However, the recent nomination of Burhan Koroglu as the charge d’affaires suggests a shift in Turkey’s diplomatic approach toward Syria. Koroglu, who is set to assume the role temporarily, will be responsible for managing the embassy’s functions, though it is unclear when he will officially take up the post.
The appointment is seen as part of a broader effort to ease diplomatic strains and improve relations between the two neighboring countries.
While President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously stated that Turkey plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus soon, the timing and specifics of this reopening remain uncertain.
Erdogan’s government has expressed a desire for improved relations with Syria, which has been a delicate issue given Turkey’s opposition to Assad’s regime and its support for various rebel factions in Syria’s multi-sided civil war.
The possibility of reopening the Turkish embassy reflects broader regional diplomatic shifts, as Syria’s relations with several Arab countries have begun to warm.
Despite continuing international divisions over the Assad regime, Turkey’s move suggests a readiness to engage diplomatically with Syria, aiming to address ongoing challenges such as border security, refugee issues, and regional stability.
