Syrian Politician al-Sharaa Meets with Turkey’s Erdogan in Ankara
Perhaps you can title it “The Strategic Partnership between Syria and Turkey”
Backed by Turkey, a rebel offensive last year successfully overthrew the long-ruling Assad regime in Syria.
On Feb. 4, Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, visited Ankara, meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other high-ranking Turkish officials.
Following the meeting, al-Sharaa and Erdogan discussed forging a “strategic partnership” to ensure lasting security and stability in both countries.
Al-Sharaa extended an invitation to Erdogan to visit Syria, which shares a border of 565 miles with Turkey.
Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s commitment to supporting Syria against Kurdish militant groups and ISIS.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Mohamed al-Golani, leads the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and serves as Syria’s de facto leader.
HTS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, spearheaded the offensive that led to the downfall of the Assad regime.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s willingness to advocate for the removal of international sanctions imposed on Syria during Assad’s rule.
He called on Arab and Muslim nations to provide financial and other forms of support to Syria’s post-Assad government in the ongoing transition phase.
Erdogan praised the visit as a significant step towards a lasting friendship between Turkey and Syria.
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s dedication to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and unity.
The actual topics discussed in private by the two leaders remain undisclosed.
Charm Offensive
Last week, rebel leaders met in Damascus and appointed al-Sharaa as Syria’s interim president for an unspecified transitional period.
They dissolved Syria’s parliament, invalidated the Assad-era constitution, and empowered al-Sharaa to establish a temporary legislative body.
Al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Turkey marked his second trip abroad since assuming his role as Syria’s interim leader.
