Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran met with Dr Hamza al-Mustafa, Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic, in Istanbul during the Strategic Communication (STRATCOM) Summit 2026.
In a post regarding he shared on his NSosyal account regarding the meeting, Head of Communications Duran stated:
"On the margins of the STRATCOM Summit 2026, we held a productive meeting with Dr Hamza al-Mustafa, Minister of Information of the Syrian Arab Republic.
We exchanged views on the common challenges we face in the field of communication in our region, including combating disinformation and effectively conveying accurate information to the public.
Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we will continue to take steps that strengthen regional cooperation and enhance our joint capacity in the field of communication.
I would like to thank Dr Al-Mustafa for honouring our summit with his presence."
Meanwhile, Syria’s Minister of Information, Hamza Al-Mustafa, said they have adopted multi-layered strategies to combat disinformation.
Noting that he had previously attended STRATCOM as a journalist, Mustafa said this was his first time participating as a minister representing his country.
Highlighting the importance of the summit not only for its focus on strategic communication but also for transforming information and traditional media into communication tools, Mustafa said: “STRATCOM is an important event and holds a respected position both in the region and globally.”
Stressing the significance of strategic communication for peace and stability worldwide, Mustafa added, “As you know, our region is fraught with tensions. This gives rise to what can be described as a ‘battle of narratives’. Our countries, therefore, must possess strong and legitimate narratives that they can put forward.”
Noting that STRATCOM also provides a platform for sharing experiences related to Syria, Mustafa said:
“We have come together at this event to listen to policymakers, academics and journalists, and to exchange both theoretical and practical insights—not only on how to combat misinformation and disinformation, but also on how to preserve the language of dialogue, peace and diplomacy.”
“Relations between Syria and Türkiye have developed in various fields following the fall of the regime”
Speaking on the planned coordination mechanism in the field of communication between Türkiye and Syria, Mustafa said: “Following the fall of the regime, relations between Syria and Türkiye have developed across various fields. We are also working to enhance ties in the media and communication sectors.”
He added that one of the most practical ways to advance these relations is to hold discussions on combating hate speech, addressing social media challenges, tackling fake accounts, and countering misinformation and disinformation.
Mustafa also underlined that Türkiye has significant experience in combating disinformation, noting that this experience is of great importance for Syria.
A multi-layered strategy in combating disinformation
Referring to their approach to countering disinformation, Mustafa emphasised that they have adopted multi-layered strategies in this field.
He stated that efforts have begun to restructure the media sector based on objectivity and professionalism, adding that, alongside independent and private media outlets, foreign press organisations are also allowed to report from Syria.
Mustafa said that, within this framework, they are also benefiting from the experience of neighbouring countries such as Türkiye, adding: “Thanks to growing public awareness, tangible results will soon be achieved in addressing the dangers of disinformation.”
