Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday, following the lifting of US and EU sanctions on Syria. The historic meeting comes as part of Syria’s efforts to rebuild after years of civil war.
The two leaders met at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, where they were seen shaking hands during an official reception. Turkish state media shared images from the meeting, which also included top officials from both sides.
According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Erdogan welcomed the end of Western sanctions and said that Turkiye continues to oppose “Israel’s occupation and aggression” in Syrian territory. He reiterated that Turkiye would raise the issue on all international platforms.
The high-level talks included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Defence Industries Secretary Haluk Gorgun. The discussions were held behind closed doors.
Al-Sharaa was joined by Syria’s Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. This was his second meeting with Erdogan, the first taking place in Ankara in February. He also visited Riyadh earlier this year to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The two governments are now looking to strengthen ties and collaborate on rebuilding Syria. The lifting of sanctions followed lobbying by regional allies and was announced by US President Donald Trump earlier this month during a Middle East tour.
The US sanctions, many of which date back to 1979, were intensified after the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2011. The EU followed Washington’s lead and lifted its economic restrictions last week. Syrian officials called the move “a positive step” towards easing humanitarian and economic hardships.
US Ambassador to Turkiye and Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, also met with al-Sharaa in Istanbul and praised his leadership, particularly efforts to tackle foreign fighters and reestablish diplomatic ties in the region.
