Turkish, Syrian presidents discuss security and economic cooperation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed their commitment to fully restoring relations and enhancing cooperation between their countries.
“Turkiye is ready to support the rebuilding of devastated Syrian cities,” Erdogan said at a joint press conference on Tuesday after meeting with al-Sharaa in Ankara, Xinhua news agency reported.
Erdogan emphasized Turkiye’s commitment to strengthening security in Syria, particularly by cracking down on terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, which Turkiye considers the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party.
“By acting in solidarity with Syria, I believe we will fully establish a climate of peace and security in our shared region, free from terrorism,” Erdogan stated.
Beyond security collaboration, both leaders expressed determination to enhance economic ties between Turkiye and Syria. Erdogan highlighted the multidimensional nature of their bilateral relations, citing progress in trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education.
Al-Sharaa, in turn, voiced hope for deeper strategic cooperation with Turkiye, which he said would benefit both nations. He also emphasized the importance of restoring commercial ties, stating, “We will revive our commercial relations with Turkiye. Hopefully, rehabilitating economic relations between Syria and Turkiye will help revive the Syrian economy.”
During the press conference, al-Sharaa extended an invitation to Erdogan for a visit to Damascus in the near future.
Turkiye, which severed diplomatic ties with Damascus in 2011, has expressed support for a peaceful transition in Syria. Erdogan has pledged to assist the new Syrian administration in establishing state structures and drafting a new constitution.
On Sunday, al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia for his first foreign visit. During his stay, he held discussions with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on Syria and regional affairs, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
