Turkish intelligence chief and Syrian foreign minister discuss SDF integration and security cooperation

Turkey's National Intelligence Organization head Ibrahim Kalın held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in the Turkish capital, focusing on bolstering bilateral security cooperation. The discussion covered the ongoing integration of dissolved Syrian Democratic Forces components into Syrian government institutions, a process completed in August after agreements in March 2025 and January 2026. Both sides stressed the need for coordinated counter-terrorism measures against Daesh and highlighted concerns over Israeli attacks in southern Syria.

The officials also examined the potential benefits of the recent U.S. sanctions relief for Syria's rebuilding and defence sector. The meeting reflects Ankara and Damascus' effort to consolidate ties after the SDF's dissolution, which Turkey views as a step toward Syrian stability and the elimination of YPG-linked groups.