Lebanese Druze Leader Walid Canbolat Praises Turkey: It Takes on a Strong Role Embracing the Syrian People
One of Lebanon’s leading Druze leaders, Walid Canbolat, made remarkable statements about Turkey’s support for the Syrian people and its strategic role in the region. Stating that Turkey embraced Syria and led the way in diversity in the region, Canbolat expressed his appreciation for the policies pursued by Turkey under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Praise for Turkey’s Strategic Role
Former Progressive Socialist Party Chairman Walid Canbolat praised Turkey’s relations with Syria and its contributions to the search for peace in the region in an interview with Lebanon’s private television channel LBC. Canbolat said, “I am not afraid of Turkey’s role today. Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, Turkey has become a country that stands out with its great diversity. Turkey has embraced the Syrian people and supports the new administration.”
Efforts to Strengthen Ties with Syria
Canbolat also touched on Turkey’s efforts to strengthen ties with Syria. He particularly emphasized the development of communication mechanisms with the new administration led by Ahmed Shara, and expressed that Turkey is an important actor in ensuring stability in the region.
In this context, Canbolat stated that Turkey’s diplomatic initiatives to establish peace in Syria are promising and that the Syrian people will be positively affected by this process.
Joint Strategy Against Israel
Drawing attention to the importance of regional cooperation in his interview, Canbolat stated that Turkey is an important counterbalance to Israel’s increasing influence in the region. He said, “Turkey is taking strategic steps to ensure regional peace and limit Israel’s influence. This cooperation is of critical importance for the future of the Middle East.”
Ankara and Damascus Meetings
The meetings that Walid Canbolat held with former Syrian Prime Minister Ahmed Shara in December 2024 drew attention to Turkey’s diplomatic role. While regional peace and cooperation messages were given in the talks with Sharaa, Canbolat’s reception by President Erdoğan on December 24 revealed the importance of relations between Turkey and Lebanon.
These contacts revealed Turkey’s determination to contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East and to establish dialogue with different ethnic groups.
The Legacy and Political Influence of the Druze Leader
Welid Canbolat is known as one of the most influential leaders of the Druze community in Lebanon. After his father Kemal Canbolat was assassinated in 1977, Canbolat became the head of the Progressive Socialist Party and served as leader for 46 years.
Despite handing over his post to his son in June 2023, Canbolat’s political influence continues throughout Lebanon and the Middle East. Thanks to both his historical roots and his current contacts, Canbolat continues to be an important figure influencing the balances in the region.
Turkey’s Influence in the Region is Increasing
Valid Canbolat’s statements have once again brought Turkey’s support for the peace and reconstruction process in Syria and its strong role in the region to the agenda. Turkey’s diversity and diplomatic moves under President Erdoğan’s leadership are seen as a key element of the search for stability in the Middle East.
