Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa is set to visit Turkey on Tuesday, marking his second international trip since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December. This visit, confirmed by the Turkish presidency, follows his trip to Saudi Arabia on Sunday. The war-torn country of Syria is increasingly seeking support from Gulf nations to fund its reconstruction efforts and revive its devastated economy.
Fahrettin Altun, the head of communications for the Turkish presidency, confirmed the visit on Monday through a post on the social media platform X. Sharaa is visiting Ankara at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where discussions are expected to focus on fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas crucial to Syria’s recovery and stability.
Syria’s need for financial aid and economic revitalization has made Gulf countries essential partners in its recovery process. As a result, Sharaa’s diplomatic outreach has extended to these countries, seeking the necessary resources to rebuild a nation torn apart by years of civil conflict.
Turkey’s relations with post-Assad Syria
Turkey, which has maintained strong ties with Sharaa, reopened its diplomatic mission in Syria following the toppling of Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. In the aftermath of Assad’s fall, Turkey took steps to strengthen relations with Syria’s new leadership, sending its top intelligence official and foreign minister for talks aimed at building a constructive relationship.
Altun outlined that the upcoming discussions between Erdogan and Sharaa in Ankara will center on practical steps to ensure Syria’s economic recovery, as well as strategies for ensuring long-term stability and security within the region. These talks are seen as crucial not just for Syria’s future but also for the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
The diplomatic shift signals a significant change in Syria’s foreign relations, particularly as the country emerges from a decade-long civil war. Turkey’s support and its role in facilitating diplomatic engagement with international powers are seen as vital for Syria’s reintegration into the global community.
Moreover, Altun expressed optimism about the future of Turkish-Syrian relations, emphasizing that the re-establishment of ties between the two nations would pave the way for stronger bilateral cooperation. He highlighted that this cooperation would focus on fostering long-term peace, security, and economic growth for Syria, following the challenging years of instability.
As Syria works toward recovery, Sharaa’s visit to Turkey represents a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to regain its footing on the global stage. It is an indication of a shift towards rebuilding not only Syria’s infrastructure but also its diplomatic and economic relations. Turkey’s involvement in this process is seen as essential, given the country’s geographical proximity, shared interests, and historical ties with Syria.
