Türkiye–Syria Military Cooperation Agreement (2025)

Türkiye–Syria Military Cooperation Agreement is a bilateral understanding signed in Ankara on 13 August 2025, aiming to enhance the capacity of the Syrian Arab Army, strengthen its institutional structure, and support the comprehensive security sector reform process.

Minister Yaşar Güler and Syrian Defense Minister Abu Qasra sign the Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding, 13 August 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Date, Place and Parties of Signing

The agreement was signed on 13 August 2025 during a ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defense. On behalf of Türkiye, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler signed the document; on behalf of Syria, Defense Minister Murhef Abu Qasra signed it. The Syrian delegation also included Minister of Foreign Affairs Asad Hasan Shaybani and Chief of General Intelligence Husayn al-Salama.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler with Syrian Defense Minister Murhef Abu Qasra, Minister of Foreign Affairs Asad Hasan Shaybani and Chief of General Intelligence Husayn al-Salama at the Ministry of National Defense, 13 August 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Nature and Objective of the Agreement

The document signed between the parties is titled the "Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding". It serves as a framework agreement establishing regular mechanisms for bilateral defense and security cooperation.

The primary objective of the agreement is to:

• Enhance the operational capacity of the Syrian Arab Army
• Develop its institutions and structure
• Support the comprehensive security sector reform process

The training of personnel in accordance with international standards aims to reduce the risk of violations by untrained groups.

Scope and Provisions

The agreement is structured around three main areas of activity:

Military Personnel Exchange

Regular exchange of military personnel is foreseen between the parties. These personnel will attend specialized training courses designed to enhance operational preparedness and joint operational capability.

Specialized Training Programs

Specialized skill training will be provided in accordance with international best practices in the fields of counterterrorism, mine clearance, cyber defense, military engineering, logistics and peacekeeping operations.

Technical Assistance

Expert personnel will be deployed to modernize military systems, organizational structures and command capabilities.

Ministry of National Defense Statements

The Ministry of National Defense stated: "We uphold Syria's political unity and territorial integrity. With the signing of the Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding, we have taken another step forward in fulfilling this commitment."

Regarding the latest developments in Syria, the ministry's assessment, as reported by Anadolu Agency, stated:

"Since the memorandum signed on 10 March 2025 between the Syrian government and the terrorist organization SDG, the SDG has failed to implement any of the agreement's conditions and has continued efforts aimed at undermining Syria's political unity and territorial integrity. Most recently, the separatist rhetoric expressed by the SDG at its conference in Hasaka on 8 August contradicts the terms of the memorandum signed with the Syrian government. While the Syrian government demonstrates an inclusive and integrative approach aimed at ending all ethnic, religious and sectarian divisions within its borders, the provocative and divisive conduct of the SDG is derailing the process. The Syrian government's call for 'one state, one army' is essential to establishing the long-awaited environment of peace and stability in the region. Our expectation is full compliance with the signed memorandum and its immediate implementation on the ground to build a stable, peaceful, secure and terror-free Syria. From the outset we have upheld Syria's political unity and territorial integrity and we will continue to do so. In this context, yesterday's signing of the Joint Training and Advisory Memorandum of Understanding represents another step forward in fulfilling this commitment."

In response to questions regarding the content of the agreement, ministry sources stated: "This signature marks another significant step in the field of cooperation. The memorandum aims to coordinate, plan and facilitate military training and cooperation, provide advisory services and share knowledge and experience, as well as ensure the supply of military equipment, weapon systems, logistical materials and related services in line with defense needs, and deliver technical support and training for their use when required. With the knowledge, experience and expertise of the Turkish Armed Forces, we will continue to support Syria's fight against terrorism and enhance its defense and security capacity."