25th May 2025 -(Istanbul) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa convened on Saturday in Istanbul to deliberate on bilateral ties and regional developments, as confirmed by the Turkish presidential office. The closed-door discussion spanned an hour and a half, as per an official statement released by the office. This marked al-Sharaa’s inaugural visit to Türkiye subsequent to the recent decision by the United States and the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria earlier in the month.
Erdogan expressed Türkiye’s contentment with the commencement of sanctions relief, emphasising the imperative of upholding Syria’s territorial integrity. He underscored the significance of unified governance for both the nation and its military to ensure enduring stability.
Al-Sharaa conveyed his appreciation to Erdogan for his backing and endeavours in facilitating the sanctions’ removal.
Erdogan reiterated his commitment to fostering bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between Türkiye and Syria across various sectors, with a particular focus on energy, defence, and transportation.
During the meeting, Erdogan condemned Israel’s occupation and aggression on Syrian soil, reiterating Türkiye’s steadfast opposition to such actions.