Damascus, September 13 (QNA) - Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shaibani met here today with his visiting Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations, activate the joint high-level committee between the two countries, and address several issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed the latest regional developments, emphasizing the importance of continued consultation and coordination, as well as support for efforts aimed at enhancing security and consolidating stability in the region.

Following the meeting, the ministers held a joint press conference. Al Shaibani highlighted that Syrian-Turkish relations have witnessed dozens of meetings at both presidential and ministerial levels, the signing of 40 agreements and memoranda of understanding, and the linking of 22 Syrian ministries and agencies with their Turkish counterparts-reflecting unprecedented breadth and depth in their ties.

Al Shaibani explained that the discussions focused on activating the joint high-level committee to serve as the institutional umbrella governing political, diplomatic, economic, and security tracks, as well as issues related to energy, the return of displaced persons, education, and culture.

He noted that the committee would operate under joint chairmanship, hold regular periodic meetings, maintain a permanent secretariat to follow up on decisions, and utilize specialized sectoral committees to ensure the sustainability of joint efforts.

For his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that the positive developments in Syria are being countered by Israeli policies seeking to sow instability.

He identified Israel as the primary obstacle to positive progress-citing the attack on Abu al-Duhur Airport as a clear example-and affirmed that the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement provides the realistic framework for a resolution with Israel, while calling on the international community to adopt a clearer stance. (QNA)