Listen to the article
In a significant diplomatic development, Turkey and Syria are preparing to establish a joint coordination system designed to improve communication between the two nations and combat disinformation, according to Turkish officials who spoke on Thursday.
Ferhat Pirinçci, deputy director of communications at the Turkish Presidency, announced that the system will function as a “bridge” between Ankara and Damascus by providing continuous, round-the-clock communication channels. The announcement followed a high-level Turkish delegation’s visit to Damascus, which included Turkey’s ambassador to Syria, Nuh Yılmaz, along with officials from Turkey’s Communications Directorate.
During their stay in the Syrian capital, the Turkish delegation met with Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Turkish and Syrian government institutions, with a particular focus on media and information exchange.
Ambassador Yılmaz emphasized that Syria is currently navigating a critical transition period after more than a decade of devastating conflict. Throughout this period, Syria has frequently been the target of what he described as “intense disinformation campaigns.”
These misinformation efforts have been particularly prominent regarding Syria’s ongoing struggle against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, and recent outbreaks of sectarian violence in Syria’s coastal regions.
“Our discussions in Damascus addressed multiple approaches to combating disinformation, including training initiatives, capacity building, and improving direct communication channels between our nations,” Yılmaz said following the meeting.
Turkish officials revealed that both sides explored potential cooperation on media strategies, narrative management, and public diplomacy tactics to be deployed during periods of heightened regional tension. These collaborative efforts aim to present a more unified response to misleading information that could potentially destabilize the region.
Pirinçci characterized the delegation’s visit as a “critical step” toward enhancing bilateral communication and strengthening joint capabilities to counter disinformation campaigns that have often complicated relations between the neighboring countries.
“The most significant outcome of our discussions was the agreement to implement a clearly defined communication system that will enable our two friendly nations to maintain constant contact,” Pirinçci stated. This system is expected to facilitate more rapid responses to emerging crises and help coordinate messaging on issues of mutual concern.
According to Turkish officials, further technical work will be conducted in the coming weeks to formalize the planned system and establish its operational framework. This will likely involve creating protocols for information sharing, verification procedures, and crisis communication mechanisms.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of gradually warming relations between Turkey and Syria after years of tension following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. During that conflict, Turkey supported opposition groups seeking to overthrow the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Regional analysts note that this communication initiative represents part of a broader normalization process taking place across the Middle East, as countries that were previously at odds seek to stabilize relations amid changing regional dynamics and security challenges.
The establishment of this joint coordination system could potentially mark a significant step toward rebuilding trust between Ankara and Damascus, though significant challenges remain in fully normalizing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
For both nations, combating misinformation has become increasingly important as social media and digital platforms have accelerated the spread of unverified claims that can inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
I’m curious to see how Turkey and Syria plan to define and identify ‘disinformation’ through this new coordination effort. Ensuring transparency and objectivity will be crucial.
That’s a good point. The definitions and processes used to combat disinformation will need to be carefully considered to avoid potential abuse or censorship.
While the goal of combating disinformation is laudable, I hope the two governments can maintain impartiality and avoid using this system to simply counter narratives that are critical of their actions or policies.
That’s a valid concern. Oversight and clear, objective criteria for identifying and addressing disinformation will be crucial to ensure the system is not abused for political purposes.
This 24-hour communication system sounds like a pragmatic step. Disinformation can spread rapidly, so having a direct line between Ankara and Damascus may help them respond quickly and effectively.
It will be important to monitor how this system is implemented and whether it achieves its goals of improving information sharing and reducing harmful narratives.
Interesting move by Turkey and Syria to establish a joint system to combat disinformation. Communication and information exchange are crucial, especially in regions with complex histories and geopolitics.
Agreed. Addressing misinformation through official channels could help promote stability and trust between the two nations as Syria navigates its post-conflict transition.
After over a decade of conflict, this initiative could be an important confidence-building measure between the two countries. Improved information sharing may help reduce tensions and misunderstandings.
Absolutely. If implemented properly, this system could be a positive step towards reconciliation and regional stability.