Erdoğan and Blinken meet to discuss syria’s crisis and future

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to talk about the situation.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria has been struggling to rebuild, with an interim government in place. 

However, Israel‍‍`s continued attacks on what it calls ‘extremists’ and ongoing clashes between various rebel groups have made peace difficult.

One of the key points discussed in the meeting was the conflict between Turkish-backed rebel forces and U.S.-backed groups in Syria. 

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which include the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), are supported by the United States. 

Turkey, however, views the YPG as a group linked to the Kurdistan Workers‍‍` Party (PKK), a group it considers a terrorist organization.

During their meeting, President Erdoğan and Secretary Blinken agreed on the importance of the international community working together to help rebuild Syria. 

They also emphasized that the U.S. and Turkey must collaborate closely to navigate Syria’s political transition.

Before arriving in Turkey, Blinken spoke about the situation, stating that the PKK is a serious threat to Turkey. 

At the same time, he stressed the importance of avoiding further conflict within Syria. 

"We want to make sure the interim government is formed smoothly and can work effectively," he added.

Blinken‍‍`s Talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah

Earlier in the week, Blinken also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan, where they discussed Syria’s future and the importance of securing the region. 

Both leaders agreed that ensuring Syria’s security was a top priority.

Blinken assured King Abdullah that the U.S. would support Jordan and other neighboring countries in maintaining security during this time of political change in Syria. 

He also noted that many countries have a genuine interest in what happens in Syria, and it is essential to avoid any further conflict.

"In discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it was made clear that terrorism in Syria needs to be stopped, and the weapons left behind by the Syrian army must not fall into the wrong hands," Blinken said.

King Abdullah also spoke about Jordan’s position on Syria. 

He reaffirmed that his country respects the will of the Syrian people and stressed the importance of protecting Syria’s citizens. 

He also pointed out that peace in Gaza is essential for the broader region.

Upcoming Talks in Jordan

This weekend, foreign ministers from several Arab and Western nations will meet in Jordan to continue discussions about Syria. 

Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and the head of the Arab League will join Turkey and the U.S. in these talks. 

The main focus will be on Syria’s future and the political process moving forward.

German Chancellor Discusses Syria with King Abdullah

In a separate development, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also had a phone call with King Abdullah II of Jordan. 

Scholz expressed the need for a political process in Syria that includes all parties and ensures the protection of Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities. 

Both leaders agreed that the safety of these groups is crucial as the country moves forward.