Synopsis
On Feb 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized their intention to restore diplomatic relations and collaborate on security and economic issues, highlighting the importance of cooperation in rebuilding Syria and combating terrorism.Key Takeaways
- Erdogan and al-Sharaa aim to enhance bilateral relations.
- Turkiye commits to supporting Syria's reconstruction.
- Focus on security cooperation against terrorist groups.
- Both nations seek to revive economic ties.
- Al-Sharaa invited Erdogan for a visit to Damascus.
Ankara, Feb 5 (NationPress) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed their commitment to fully restoring relations and enhancing cooperation between their two countries.
“Turkiye is ready to support the rebuilding of devastated Syrian cities,” Erdogan stated during a joint press conference on Tuesday after his discussions with the visiting al-Sharaa in Ankara, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Erdogan stressed Turkiye's commitment to improving security in Syria, particularly through efforts to combat terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which Türkiye regards as the Syrian extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party.
“By acting in solidarity with Syria, I believe we will fully establish a climate of peace and security in our shared region, free from terrorism,” the Turkish president remarked.
In addition to security collaboration, both leaders conveyed their intent to bolster economic ties between Turkiye and Syria. Erdogan underscored the multifaceted nature of their bilateral relations, highlighting progress in various areas including trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education.
Al-Sharaa, on his part, voiced optimism for deeper strategic cooperation with Turkiye, which he asserted would be advantageous for both nations.
The Syrian interim president also emphasized the necessity of reinstating commercial connections between the two countries.
“We will revive our commercial relations with Turkiye,” he expressed, adding, “Hopefully, rehabilitating economic relations between Syria and Turkiye will help revive the Syrian economy.”
During the press conference, al-Sharaa also extended an invitation to Erdogan for a visit to Damascus soon.
Turkey, which severed diplomatic relations with Damascus in 2011, has voiced support for a peaceful transition in Syria. Erdogan has pledged to support the new Syrian administration in establishing state structures and drafting a new constitution.
On Sunday, al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia for his first foreign visit. During this visit, al-Sharaa engaged in discussions with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on matters concerning Syria and regional affairs, as per the Saudi Press Agency.
