Syria’s President Al-Shara Arrives in Turkey for High-Level Talks With Erdogan
ANKARA, Turkey (North Press) – Syrian transitional leader Ahmad al-Shara arrived in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Tuesday for a highly anticipated meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This marks al-Shara’s second international visit following his recent diplomatic engagement in Saudi Arabia.
According to four sources cited by Reuters, al-Shara’s discussions with Erdogan are expected to focus on a potential joint defense agreement, among other regional security issues.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Al-Shara’s visit to Turkey follows his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this week, signaling a broader diplomatic push to strengthen Syria’s regional relations. His Ankara visit is seen as particularly significant, given Turkey’s longstanding role in the Syrian conflict and its complex relations with Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria.
During the past decade, Turkey has backed various opposition factions against the now-ousted Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad. With a new transitional government in place in Damascus, analysts say Ankara is seeking assurances regarding security concerns along its southern border, especially with regard to Kurdish-led forces and cross-border militant activity.
Potential Defense Agreement in Focus
Sources suggest that a key topic on the agenda will be a possible defense cooperation framework between Turkey and the Syrian transitional government. While no details have been officially confirmed, a potential agreement could include enhanced border security coordination, counterterrorism efforts, and mechanisms for de-escalating tensions between Turkish-backed forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The SDF, which has received U.S. support in its fight against ISIS, remains a contentious issue between Ankara and Damascus. Turkey has repeatedly expressed concerns about the group’s ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization. Al-Shara’s stance on this matter could play a pivotal role in shaping future Syrian-Turkish relations.
Shifting Alliances in the Region
Al-Shara’s outreach to Turkey marks a significant departure from the policies of the former Assad regime, which had an adversarial relationship with Ankara for much of the Syrian conflict. His administration appears to be prioritizing regional cooperation to stabilize Syria and reintegrate it into the broader Middle Eastern political landscape.
As part of this effort, analysts believe that al-Shara’s visit may also lay the groundwork for discussions on economic partnerships and the return of Syrian refugees from Turkey. Ankara hosts nearly four million Syrian refugees, and their repatriation remains a pressing issue for Turkish policymakers ahead of national elections.
What’s Next?
While al-Shara’s Ankara visit represents a crucial step in Syria’s diplomatic reintegration, the outcome of his meeting with Erdogan could set the tone for future relations between the two nations. If a joint security agreement is reached, it could reshape dynamics in northern Syria and potentially influence ongoing negotiations between Damascus and the SDF.
Al-Shara is expected to hold a press conference following his meeting with Erdogan, where more details on the discussions may be revealed.