Türkiye’s Ambassador Burhan Koroglu Appointed As Acting Chargé D’Affaires In Damascus
Burhan Koroglu, Türkiye’s ambassador to Mauritania, has been appointed as the interim chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. This appointment was made by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and reflects Türkiye’s efforts to reinstate its diplomatic presence in Syria following the closure of its embassy in 2012 due to the civil conflict.
Ambassador Burhan Koroglu, currently serving as Türkiye’s envoy to Mauritania, has been appointed as the acting chargé d’affaires for the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, Syria. The appointment was announced on Thursday, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan formally notifying Koroglu of his new duties. This interim assignment places him in charge of Türkiye’s diplomatic operations in the capital of Syria, an essential role given the region’s complex geopolitical situation.
The Turkish Embassy in Damascus has experienced tumultuous times since the onset of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 with a violent crackdown on protesters. Despite these challenges, the embassy initially maintained operations before suspending them on March 26, 2012. Following this closure, the embassy’s staff and their families returned to Türkiye, although Syria’s Consulate General in Istanbul continued its work throughout the conflict. Ambassador Koroglu’s new role may signal a potential shift in diplomatic engagement with Syria during a time of heightened turmoil and transition.
Türkiye’s previous diplomatic activities in Syria have been profoundly affected by the ongoing civil conflict that erupted in 2011. The Turkish Embassy in Damascus remained operational despite the violent suppression of protests and the subsequent escalation into full-scale war. However, the embassy’s operations were put on hold in 2012, reflecting the deteriorating situation in Syria. The current appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as acting chargé d’affaires signifies Türkiye’s effort to re-establish its diplomatic presence and involvement in the region amidst ongoing challenges.
In conclusion, Türkiye’s appointment of Ambassador Burhan Koroglu as the acting chargé d’affaires in Damascus marks a significant adjustment in its diplomatic strategy in Syria. With a history of fluctuating diplomatic relations due to the civil unrest, this assignment may pave the way for renewed engagement and representation for Türkiye in the complex landscape of Syrian politics.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
