In a significant diplomatic meeting in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Syria’s newly-appointed interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This visit marks al-Sharaa’s second international trip since assuming his position, following a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this week. The discussions focused on strengthening security cooperation between Turkey and Syria, particularly in response to Kurdish fighters operating in northeastern Syria.
Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to support Syria’s new leadership in combating terrorism, highlighting a commitment to collaborate against groups such as ISIL (ISIS) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He praised al-Sharaa’s strong commitment to fighting terrorism and reaffirmed Turkey’s intention to provide necessary assistance in this regard. This collaboration aims to enhance regional security and stability, reflecting a paradigm shift in the historically complex Turkey-Syria relations.
Al-Sharaa previously led the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, which played an integral role in recent efforts aimed at reshaping Syria’s political landscape. Following the meeting, he welcomed the opportunity to create a strategic partnership with Turkey, inviting Erdogan to visit Syria. This initiative underscores a notable realignment within the region, particularly since Turkey had severed ties with Damascus amid the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011.
The leaders also broached the topic of a new defense pact, with discussions indicating the potential establishment of additional Turkish military bases within Syrian territory. While existing military installations along Turkey’s border remain operational, discussions about further bases highlight Turkey’s proactive stance on security concerns, particularly regarding the PKK and affiliated groups.
A key point of focus in the discussions was the lifting of international sanctions imposed on Syria during Bashar al-Assad’s leadership, a priority for al-Sharaa as he pursues a diplomatic re-engagement strategy. Erdogan emphasized the importance of support from Arab and Muslim nations in facilitating a stable transition for Syria.
Moreover, the two leaders addressed the issue of Syrian refugees, with Erdogan optimistic about the voluntary return of displaced Syrians as the situation stabilizes in their home country. Turkey has been at the forefront of accommodating Syrian refugees, hosting over 3.8 million individuals at the peak of the crisis in 2022.
The extensive dialogue between Erdogan and al-Sharaa highlights a critical moment for both nations as they navigate shared security interests and regional stability, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual support.
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