On a significant diplomatic front, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Syria’s newly-appointed interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Ankara to bolster security cooperation between the two nations. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the context of regional geopolitics, as it is al-Sharaa’s second international engagement following his earlier visit with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al-Sharaa, leading the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, ascended to power through a rapid offensive that ousted long-standing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. At a joint news conference, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to collaborate with Syria’s new governance, focusing on shared objectives such as addressing the challenges posed by the armed group ISIL (ISIS) and Kurdish fighters in northeastern Syria.
Erdogan acknowledged the commitment of al-Sharaa to combat terrorism, reinforcing Turkey’s stance on this pressing issue. “We are prepared to extend necessary support to Syria in combatting terrorism, whether it be Daesh or the PKK,” he declared, referring to the Arabic acronym for ISIL and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. Turkey perceives several Syrian Kurdish factions, notably the PKK and People’s Protection Units (YPG), as security threats.
The Turkish government has long maintained a strong perspective on these groups due to their presence near the Turkish border. The YPG is a significant component of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a critical ally in the U.S.-led campaign against ISIL in Syria. However, Turkey seeks to enhance its operational role in this context as the dynamics evolve.
Reports from Ankara indicate that Erdogan warmly embraced al-Sharaa’s visit as an opportunity to further solidify Turkey’s engagement in the anti-ISIL operations, while also addressing concerns regarding Kurdish fighters. Erdogan indicated Turkey’s willingness to assist in managing ISIL-controlled facilities in northeastern Syria, areas administered by the SDF.
Al-Sharaa expressed his aspiration for a strategic partnership with Turkey, inviting Erdogan to visit Syria at the earliest convenience. This invitation underscores a notable shift in relations, especially considering Turkey’s previous opposition to the Assad regime following the eruption of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
In addition to security matters, the two leaders discussed a potential defense agreement, which might see the expansion of Turkish military bases in Syria—an endeavor the Turkish government is considering to further secure its borders.
Erdogan also emphasized the need for support from Arab and Muslim nations for Syria’s transitional government, especially in light of the sanctions imposed on the country. Al-Sharaa has prioritized the alleviation of these sanctions as part of his diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, discussions also touched on the situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey. Erdogan expressed optimism about the prospect of voluntary returns as conditions in Syria improve. With over 3.8 million Syrian refugees at the height of the crisis, Turkey’s efforts to stabilize Syria reflect its commitment to regional stability and humanitarian support.
As Turkey and Syria embark on this renewed partnership, the implications for the broader Middle Eastern landscape are significant, highlighting the ongoing complexities of security, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts in a region facing multifaceted challenges.
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