Burhan Koroglu Appointed Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mauritania, Burhan Koroglu, has been appointed as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. This assignment follows the embassy’s closure in 2012 due to escalating violence, with Koroglu now tasked to lead diplomatic efforts in Syria’s capital.

On Thursday, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mauritania, Burhan Koroglu, received an appointment as the acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, Syria. Previously serving in Nouakchott, Koroglu’s new role comes as he is tasked with temporarily leading Türkiye’s diplomatic mission within Syria’s capital. This assignment was communicated to him by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, according to reliable Turkish diplomatic sources.

The Turkish Embassy in Damascus, located near Rida Square—a hub of international diplomatic activity—has had a tumultuous history since the onset of the Syrian civil unrest in 2011. Initially, the embassy maintained its operations during the government’s violent suppression of dissent; however, it ceased activities on March 26, 2012. Following this closure, embassy personnel and their families were withdrawn to Türkiye, while the Syrian Consulate in Istanbul continued its functions, demonstrating a complex diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

The appointment of Burhan Koroglu as acting chargé d’affaires signifies a strategic move by Türkiye to re-establish its diplomatic presence in Syria amidst ongoing regional instability. Following the disruption caused by political unrest and conflict, Türkiye has sought to navigate the intricate dynamics of its foreign relations, especially with neighboring Syria. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has significantly impacted diplomatic operations and international relations in the region, necessitating temporary appointments to address immediate diplomatic needs.

In conclusion, the temporary appointment of Burhan Koroglu as acting chargé d’affaires at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus highlights Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to engage with Syria. The historical context of the Turkish Embassy’s operations underscores the complexities of international diplomacy in the face of conflict. As ambassador, Koroglu’s role may be crucial in redefining Türkiye’s diplomatic strategy in Syria as the region continues to evolve.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr