Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara made his second foreign visit to Türkiye last week after being declared the President of the Interim Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. During this visit, the two leaders announced that they could cooperate on strategically important issues such as improving Syria’s economic and social infrastructure, as well as defense and security.

^{Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ahmet al-Sharaa /February 4, 2025 (Source: Turkish Presidency)}

Development and Infrastructure

Following their meeting, the two leaders issued a joint statement in which President Erdoğan announced that, in addition to reopening the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, Turkey had also reactivated the Consulate General in Aleppo and that Turkish Airlines (THY) had resumed flights to Damascus.

After the fall of the Assad regime, relations between the two countries rapidly developed in trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education. Turkey’s exports to Syria increased by 20% in December, rising to 38% in January. Last month, the Turkish Ministry of Trade announced that discussions had begun to revive the free trade agreement with Syria and to deepen cooperation in transportation, contracting, and investment. In this regard, Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that negotiations with the Syrian side are ongoing to reinstate the Türkiye-Syria Free Trade Agreement, which was signed in 2007 but suspended in 2011 due to the civil war. Turkey also expressed its readiness to support Syria in providing electricity, signing a maritime border agreement, and reestablishing banking connections. Officials from both countries have started discussions regarding the reconstruction of Syria’s industrial and commercial infrastructure, exploring potential opportunities and challenges.

Strategic Cooperation in Defense and Security

During the visit, both leaders emphasized the potential for strategic cooperation in defense and security. In a joint statement, Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara expressed his desire to transform bilateral relations into deep strategic cooperation in the field of security.

Syria’s new leadership has disbanded the army and various rebel groups and is working to integrate them into a new military command structure. Additionally, Syria is facing security challenges with Iran and Russia, which were Assad’s main regional supporters, as well as with Israel. In particular, Israel’s threats to Syrian airspace are among the new administration’s top security concerns. According to some sources, discussions included the possibility of Turkey establishing new air bases in Syria, using Syrian airspace for military purposes, and leading the training of Syria’s new army.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler previously stated that Turkey has military training and cooperation agreements with several countries and is ready to provide the necessary support if requested by the new Syrian government.

^{A View from the Press Conference of the Two Leaders (Source: Turkish Presidency)}

Territorial Integrity and the PKK/YPG Issue in Eastern Euphrates

Another critical topic discussed during the meeting was the presence of the PKK/PYD in northeastern Syria. President Erdoğan affirmed Türkiye’s willingness to assist the new Syrian government in combating both ISIS and the PKK/YPG.

Türkiye-backed groups have long been engaged in conflicts with YPG militants in northeastern Syria. While the United States views the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily composed of YPG elements, as a key ally in the fight against ISIS, Ankara considers the group an extension of the PKK.

Since 2016, Türkiye has conducted cross-border operations against ISIS and the PKK/PYD, which it designates as terrorist organizations, to secure its borders. Additionally, Türkiye has maintained a military presence in the Idlib region since 2017. Most recently, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army took control of the Tel Rıfat and Manbij regions, previously held by the PKK/PYD.

The Fall of the 61-Year Ba’ath Regime

The 61-year rule of the Ba’ath regime came to an end in December 2024 when Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, following attacks led by opposition forces under Ahmed al-Shara. After the fall of the Assad regime, Ahmed al-Shara was declared the interim president. The new administration decided to annul all amendments made to the constitution since 2012 and formed a transitional government to lead the country during this period.

In his first speech as head of state, Ahmed al-Shara emphasized Syria’s territorial integrity and delivered messages aimed at ensuring national unity. He also engaged in international diplomatic efforts to secure support for Syria’s reconstruction and stability. These developments mark the beginning of a new era for Syria. However, uncertainties remain regarding the country’s future and the policies the new administration will adopt both nationally and internationally.