Syrian President Al-Sharaa: Syria and Turkey to Establish a Deep Strategic Partnership

ANKARA, Turkey (North Press) – Syria’s Transitional President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, announced on Tuesday that Syria and Turkey will work to establish a deep strategic partnership in all fields, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations.

Earlier today, al-Sharaa arrived in Ankara on his first official visit, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During a joint press conference, both leaders emphasized a new phase of cooperation between Syria and Turkey, covering security, economy, and regional stability.

Key Points from Al-Sharaa’s Statement:

  • Acknowledgment of Turkey’s Support: Al-Sharaa expressed gratitude to Turkey, stating that “the Syrian people will not forget Turkey’s support for them.”
  • Discussions on Syria’s Unity: Talks focused on threats to Syria’s territorial integrity, particularly in the north and east of the country.
  • Call for Israeli Withdrawal: Al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of pressuring Israel to withdraw from Syrian territories in southern Syria.
  • Economic and Trade Cooperation: He highlighted Syria’s readiness to enhance trade relations, particularly in reconstruction efforts.
  • Invitation to Erdogan: Al-Sharaa officially invited the Turkish president to visit Syria, signaling further diplomatic engagement.

Erdogan’s Response & Turkey’s Position:

During the conference, Erdogan affirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with Syria:

  • “We will work to develop cooperation with Syria and raise relations to a strategic level, and we will continue to stand by the Syrians.”
  • He described al-Sharaa’s visit as “the beginning of a new phase” in Syria-Turkey relations.
  • Erdogan offered support in confronting “terrorist organizations” inside Syria.
  • He emphasized that Damascus and Ankara share common views on necessary measures against the PKK inside Syrian territory.

Symbolic Shift in Syrian Political Discourse

In a noteworthy linguistic shift, Al-Sharaa referred to Syria as the “Syrian Republic” instead of the traditional “Syrian Arab Republic.” Analysts interpret this as a recognition of Syria’s diverse social fabric, acknowledging that the country is home to multiple ethnic and cultural components beyond just Arabs.

This visit signals a new diplomatic era between Syria and Turkey, with both nations exploring long-term collaboration on security, economic development, and regional stability. Further details on joint agreements and potential follow-up visits are expected in the coming weeks.