Historic Cooperation: HAK-İŞ and Syrian Unions Sign Agreement

Ankara – In a historic meeting on July 18, 2025, at the HAK-İŞ headquarters, HAK-İŞ President Mahmut Arslan hosted a delegation from the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) of Syria, led by its President, Fawaz Al-Ahmad. The comprehensive talks culminated in the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement. The meeting agenda included not only trade union matters but also critical issues such as the situation of Syrian refugees and Israeli attacks in the region.

A New Era for Both Confederations

HAK-İŞ President Mahmut Arslan expressed his satisfaction with hosting the GFTU delegation, noting that relations between the two confederations have recently entered an intensive phase. Arslan stated that "HAK-İŞ and GFTU will carry out joint projects for the benefit of workers," adding that the signed agreement will pave the way for concrete projects in various fields, especially in working life.

GFTU President Fawaz Al-Ahmad thanked HAK-İŞ for being the first confederation to visit Damascus. He emphasized that joint efforts would strengthen the representation of workers and that benefiting from HAK-İŞ’s experience was an important step for them. During the meeting, a request was made for a joint committee to be established to monitor the situation of Syrian workers in Turkey, including those working in the informal economy.

"An Exemplary Relationship" Between Syria and Turkey

Arslan highlighted the deep historical ties between the Turkish and Syrian peoples, holding the "despotic regime" responsible for the past deterioration of relations. He noted that the new era, initiated with the Ahmed Şara government, has demonstrated an "exemplary cooperation" to the world. "There is full cooperation between the Syrian government and the Turkish government on almost every issue. Based on this, HAK-İŞ and GFTU have also established a strong form of relationship," Arslan said.

Advocating for "Voluntary and Dignified Return" for Syrian Refugees

Arslan also addressed the situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey. He stated that "our Syrian brothers and sisters were forced to take refuge in the country not by choice, but because of the war," and that Turkey has shown them "unprecedented hospitality." Arslan stressed that Turkey's approach is aimed at "voluntary and dignified return" and that HAK-İŞ supports the steps taken to facilitate work permits for Syrian workers, continuing its projects on the issue.

Joint Condemnation of Israeli Aggression

One of the most notable parts of the meeting was the joint condemnation of Israeli attacks in the region. Arslan "strongly condemned the killer Netanyahu government and the Zionist state of Israel," expressing a clear stance against the attacks that started in Gaza and have extended to Lebanon and Iran. GFTU President Fawaz Al-Ahmad also condemned the "criminal massacres" against the Palestinian people and called on the international community to halt the attacks in Sweida.

Following the meeting, the cooperation agreement was signed, and a training program on working life, migration, and industrial relations was held for the two union delegations.