Syria’s president to Visit Turkey, UAE to discuss critical issues
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The upcoming visits of Syria’s Transitional President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates will focus on political, military, and economic issues, with the goal of securing a stable transition period in Syria, a politician said on Wednesday.
Hani Suleiman, Director of the Arab Center for Research, stated that al-Sharaa recognizes the pivotal role Turkey plays in this critical phase, saying, “There are numerous pressing security and military files, along with economic goals, particularly securing basic needs and stabilizing the transitional period.”
“There is hope to reduce internal tensions and clashes, and to explore mechanisms for de-escalating military confrontations, as security and military factors are key to Syria’s stability,” he added.
Suleiman told North Press that al-Sharaa will discuss several sensitive military and security issues with Turkish officials, especially in light of increasing polarization and recent tensions between Turkey and Israel.
He pointed out that the Syrian president is expected to reaffirm Syria’s strategic partnership and close alliance with Turkey, recognizing Ankara’s significant influence in stabilizing his transitional administration.
Regarding the UAE visit, Suleiman noted that although it carries less political weight than the Turkey trip, it is no less important. The UAE meetings will primarily focus on economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.
The politician noted to the growing UAE-Israel ties and the possibility that al-Sharaa may raise concerns about Israeli military actions in Syria during his discussions in Abu Dhabi.
On April 7, Syria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that al-Sharaa would visit both Turkey and the UAE next week. The spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Ömer Çelik, announced that the visit to Turkey is scheduled for April 11.