Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Syria’s newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara on Tuesday. The leaders discussed deepening security cooperation, focusing on the fight against terrorism and the situation in northeastern Syria.
This visit marks al-Sharaa’s second international trip since he took office. His first stop was Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting with Erdogan signals a major shift in regional diplomacy, as Turkey and Syria had severed ties in 2011 during the Syrian civil war.
Fighting ISIL and Kurdish Groups
One of the main topics of discussion was countering terrorist threats in the region. Erdogan expressed strong support for Syria’s new leadership in fighting ISIL (ISIS) and Kurdish fighters, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Turkey considers YPG and PKK as terrorist organizations due to their alleged attacks on Turkish territory. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the YPG, controls large parts of northeastern Syria and has been backed by the United States in the fight against ISIL.
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to assist Syria in managing ISIL prison camps, currently controlled by the SDF. He emphasized that Turkey would not allow any form of Kurdish self-rule in the region, a stance that aligns with al-Sharaa’s position.
New Defense Pact and Military Bases
The two leaders also discussed a potential defense agreement between Turkey and Syria. Reports suggest that Turkey might establish new military bases in Syria, expanding its military presence beyond the existing border bases.
For years, Turkey has maintained military outposts in Syria to protect its borders from PKK and YPG attacks. Now, there is speculation that Turkey may set up additional bases further inside Syria. The details of these plans remain undisclosed for now.
Economic Relief and Sanctions
Al-Sharaa’s top priority is to remove international sanctions imposed on Syria during Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Erdogan pledged that Turkey would continue advocating for lifting these economic restrictions.
The leaders also emphasized the need for financial support from Arab and Muslim countries to help Syria recover from years of war. Erdogan urged regional powers to contribute financially and provide aid to stabilize Syria’s economy.
Refugees and Migration
The issue of Syrian refugees was another important topic. Turkey hosts more than 3.8 million Syrian refugees, making it the country with the largest Syrian refugee population in the world.
Erdogan expressed hope that Syrian refugees would start returning home as the country becomes more stable. He stressed that voluntary returns should be encouraged to ensure a smooth transition for displaced Syrians.
Regional Implications
This meeting marks a turning point in Turkish-Syrian relations. For years, Turkey was one of the strongest opponents of Syria’s former leader, Bashar al-Assad. However, with al-Sharaa now in power, Turkey appears willing to rebuild ties with Syria.
The realignment also puts pressure on the United States, which has supported the SDF in its fight against ISIL. If Turkey increases its role in northeastern Syria, it could lead to further tensions with Washington.
Looking Ahead
The strengthening of ties between Turkey and Syria could have major consequences for the region. With both nations committed to fighting terrorism and stabilizing Syria, their cooperation could reshape the security dynamics in the Middle East.
Al-Sharaa also invited Erdogan to visit Syria, signaling a willingness for further cooperation. If the partnership continues to grow, it could alter the balance of power in the region and impact key players like the U.S., Russia, and Iran. As diplomatic talks between Turkey and Syria continue, the world will be watching closely to see how this new partnership unfolds.
