On May 24, 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul to discuss strengthening Turkey-Syria relations and addressing regional developments. The meeting, held in the context of recently lifted international sanctions on Syria, focused on cooperation in areas such as energy, defense, and transportation, as well as Syria’s reconstruction and regional stability.
Official Reception and Discussions
Erdoğan welcomed Sharaa with an official ceremony at the Dolmabahçe Working Office, followed by a 90-minute closed-door meeting and a formal dinner. According to Türkiye’s Presidential Communications Directorate, the talks covered bilateral relations, regional issues, and global developments. Attendees included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Director İbrahim Kalın, Presidential Foreign Policy and Security Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Defense Industry Agency President Haluk Görgün, Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Şeybani, and Syrian Defense Minister Morhaf Abo Kasra.
Erdoğan expressed confidence in Syria’s potential for stability and progress, stating that Turkey would continue its support for Syria’s development, as it has done throughout the conflict. This marked Sharaa’s second visit to Turkey in 2025, following talks in Ankara in February that outlined a framework for enhanced cooperation.
Sanctions Relief and Syria’s Reconstruction
The meeting followed the U.S. and EU’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, a development Erdoğan welcomed as an opportunity to support Syria’s economic recovery. He emphasized the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and unified governance, critical for the country’s stability. Sharaa thanked Turkey for its diplomatic efforts in facilitating the sanctions relief, which the Syrian Foreign Ministry described as a significant step toward economic recovery and reconstruction.
Position on Israeli Actions
The leaders addressed Israel’s military activities in Syria, including its occupation of the Golan Heights and recent operations. Erdoğan condemned these actions as violations of Syrian sovereignty, stating that Turkey would continue to oppose them on international platforms. Sharaa expressed appreciation for Turkey’s stance, reinforcing the shared commitment to protecting Syria’s territorial integrity.
Cooperation in Key Sectors
The discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration in energy, defense, and transportation. Erdoğan noted that Turkey aims to support Syria’s reconstruction through joint initiatives, including potential defense cooperation such as training programs for Syria’s military. These efforts aim to strengthen Syria’s security and infrastructure, aligning with Turkey’s interest in a stable region.
In a parallel meeting in Ankara, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz met with Syrian officials, including Foreign Minister Esad El Şeybani and Defense Minister Morhaf Abo Kasra, alongside Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek and Central Bank Governor Fatih Karahan. The talks focused on economic cooperation and supporting Syria’s financial reforms. Yılmaz stated that the lifting of sanctions would enable increased investments and economic growth in Syria, benefiting both nations and the region.
Addressing Security and Refugee Issues
The leaders discussed shared security challenges, including the threat posed by the terrorist organization PKK and its affiliates, such as the YPG, which Turkey considers a threat to regional stability. Erdoğan emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism and ensure Syria’s unity. He also highlighted Turkey’s efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, noting that improved conditions in Syria could support this process, addressing a significant issue for Turkey, which has hosted millions of refugees.
Regional and Diplomatic Context
The meeting reflects Turkey’s active role in supporting Syria’s post-conflict transition, building on its diplomatic engagement with regional partners like Saudi Arabia. Sharaa’s visit, following his meetings with other global leaders, underscores Turkey’s position as a key partner in Syria’s recovery. The discussions also addressed the need to counter external challenges, including Israel’s actions, while fostering economic and security cooperation.
The Istanbul meeting between President Erdoğan and Interim President Sharaa marks a significant step in advancing Turkey-Syria relations. With a focus on cooperation in defense, energy, and economic reforms, Turkey is contributing to Syria’s stability and reconstruction. By addressing regional challenges, including Israeli actions and the terrorist threat posed by the PKK, Turkey continues to play a constructive role in promoting peace and development in the region, supporting Syria’s path toward recovery.
