As insurgents raced across Syria in a surprise offensive launched in the country's northwest late last year, officials from several countries backing either the rebels or Syria’s government met in Qatar on what to do.

On 11 January, the Syrian government reduced customs duties on goods from Arab countries by up to 60 percent, while increasing duties on Turkish imports by up to 300 percent, applying a uniform rate across all neighbouring countries. This decision has drawn criticism from Turkey’s business community.

Al-Shaibani is visiting Turkey for the first time as Syria foreign minister, as the interim government continues to clash with remaining Assad loyalists.

Al-Shaibani is visiting Turkey for the first time as Syria foreign minister, as the interim government continues to clash with remaining Assad loyalists.

As insurgents raced across Syria in a surprise offensive launched in the country's northwest late last year, officials from several countries backing either the rebels or Syria's government met in Qatar on what to do.

No country has as much to gain from a stable Syria as Turkey, and few have as much to lose if it implodes. Turkey is home to more than 3m Syrian refugees, and wants Syria to be safe enough for many to return.