Syria's interim President visits Turkey for talks on economy and Kurdish forces

Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's interim president began his second international trip after assuming office, and traveled to Turkey on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The president went there to discuss economic recovery, and security issues. Another important motive included Kurdish forces with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara. This visit to Turkey follows a similar engagement in Saudi Arabia. This is his second trip abroad since removing President Bashar al-Assad, an official told AFP as reported in France24.

Low-Key Meeting Between Turkish and Syrian Leaders

Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, received a modest welcome from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace as reported by ABC News. A restrained reception reflects Turkey's cautious approach toward Syria's new leadership. The strategic welcome is a result of ongoing political instability and security concerns in Syria. Turkey thus remains careful in its diplomatic engagement due to these factors.

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One of the topics during Ala-Sharaa’s meetings with Turkish officials is to discuss economic recovery, border security, and humanitarian aid, Erdogan’s office said as per AP News. He first met privately with President Erdogan, then had discussions with business leaders about trade possibilities.

There was a visit to refugee camps planned, where a press conference was organized to outline Syria’s future diplomatic and reconstruction efforts.

Current Situation in Syria-Turkey Relations

While Ahmad al-Sharaa played a part in Bashar al-Assad's ousting, Turkey's modest welcome hints at their hesitations about his interim leadership. Before visiting Turkey, he met with Saudi officials to discuss regional stability.

Now serving as Syria’s interim president, al-Sharaa engages in diplomatic talks to tackle regional concerns and shape Syria’s future. Discussions focused on economic recovery, trade agreements, and infrastructure development. Turkey considers the SDF a security threat and aims to dismantle them.

Turkey continues to support factions fighting the SDF near the border. Another major topic was the fate of Syrian refugees, as Turkey, once hosting over 3.8 million, looks for long-term solutions. Al-Sharaa’s visit signals a step toward renewed diplomatic engagement, with further discussions expected as Syria works to rebuild and gain international recognition.

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FAQs

1. When did Ahmad al-Sharaa visit Turkey?
   On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa travelled to Turkey. The trip aimed at socio-political discussions with their leader.
   
   
2. What did the president of Turkey and Syria discuss during Al-Sharaa’s visit to Turkey?

The discussion between the two presidents focused on:

• Rebuilding Syria’s economy
  
• Border security
  
• Kurdish-led SDF issue.
  
• Delivering humanitarian relief to Syria