Syrian and Turkish leaders meet at Antalya Forum

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, signaling a potential thaw in longstanding tensions between the two countries. During the meeting, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's commitment to securing the removal of international sanctions imposed on Syria, emphasizing the need to reinvigorate trade and economic ties. This development marks a noteworthy pivot toward collaboration after years of strained relations between Syria and Turkey.

The two leaders also focused on regional security issues, agreeing on the importance of countering Kurdish militant groups operating in northeastern Syria and aligning their strategies in the fight against terrorism. Their discussions reflected a mutual interest in stabilizing the region through enhanced security cooperation.

In addition to his meeting with Erdogan, President al-Sharaa held discussions with other regional leaders, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani, and Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. These engagements underscore Syria's broader diplomatic effort to reinforce its ties with neighboring states and shift the regional balance toward closer cooperation and stability.

Erdogan’s remarks at the forum extended beyond Syria, highlighting Turkey’s active role in managing regional disputes. Speaking to an international audience, he stressed Turkey’s balanced dialogue with key global players—citing his and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s roles in efforts to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity—as well as his strategic relationships with leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

The meeting between al-Sharaa and Erdogan, along with their wider diplomatic efforts, represents a significant step toward redefining relationships and addressing long-standing security and economic challenges in the Middle East.