Syria and Turkey sign military training, advisory cooperation pact

Syrian and Turkish defense ministers during the signing ceremony
Syrian and Turkish defense ministers during the signing ceremony

By Saad al-Yaziji

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian and Turkish defense ministries on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Ankara to enhance cooperation in military training and advisory fields, according to official sources in both countries.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the agreement was concluded following talks between Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra and his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler. The meeting was part of a broader delegation-level engagement that also included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and intelligence chief Hussein Salama.

According to Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, the MoU outlines regular exchanges of military personnel to participate in specialized training programs. These courses aim to improve operational readiness and develop joint work capabilities, with a focus on counterterrorism, demining operations, cyber defense, military engineering, logistics, and peacekeeping operations.

The agreement also includes technical assistance, with Turkish experts to be dispatched in support of modernizing Syria’s military systems, organizational structures, and command capabilities.

While Ankara and Damascus have maintained tense relations for over a decade, the latest step marks a rare formal arrangement in the defense sector. The Syrian government has repeatedly stated that its goal is to restore state control across the country, while Turkey maintains a significant military presence in northern Syria through allied armed groups.

No details were provided on whether the memorandum would extend to operations in areas outside Syrian government control, including territories administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and secured by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These regions continue to play a key role in counterterrorism efforts against Islamic State (ISIS) remnants and in maintaining stability in northeast Syria.

The Turkish defense ministry did not release further information on the implementation timeline of the MoU. The Syrian government also did not comment on potential political implications for ongoing regional talks.