Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Turkey on Tuesday for important discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on how Turkey can assist Syria in its recovery after over 13 years of civil war. This meeting marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between the two nations as Syria seeks to rebuild its war-torn economy and infrastructure.
Erdogan praised Sharaa for his “strong commitment” to fighting terrorism, a critical aspect of Syria’s path to stability, and reiterated Turkey’s readiness to offer support in areas ranging from security to reconstruction. Turkey has been a key ally of Sharaa and his administration, offering military assistance and operational support in the ongoing fight against groups like the Islamic State (IS) and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The discussions also focused on regional security, particularly the need to confront persistent terrorist threats that still pose risks to both Turkey and Syria. Erdogan emphasized the importance of the two countries working together to address these challenges and ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
Sharaa, who recently visited Saudi Arabia to seek financial backing for Syria’s recovery, expressed gratitude for Turkey’s continued support, especially in hosting millions of Syrian refugees. He also invited Erdogan to visit Syria in the near future, signaling a desire for deeper cooperation and partnership.
This visit highlights the growing cooperation between Turkey and Syria, as both nations explore ways to address the lasting impacts of the civil war and work towards a more secure and prosperous future.
Syria Ahmed al Sharaa 1778979 EPA-Pic-via-FMT-CC-BY-4.0