Syria's new president meets Erdogan in Ankara

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Syria's transitional President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to the Turkish presidential palace ahead of bilateral talks.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara as a “historic” step toward the beginning of a period of “lasting friendship and cooperation” between the two countries.
The two leaders discussed joint steps to establish security and economic stability.
Erdogan highlighted progress in multidimensional relations, including trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education.
Speaking at a joint press conference with al-Sharaa, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and unity.
He reiterated Turkey’s unwavering support for Syria, saying: “We never abandoned our Syrian sisters and brothers in their hardest times, and we will continue to support them in this new period.”
“Being of historic importance, I see this visit today as the start of a new era of eternal friendship and cooperation. All of our institutions have been working tirelessly to rebuild our relationship to a strategic level,” said Erdogan.
He expressed confidence in Syria’s ability to rebuild itself and said: “We have no doubt that our Syrian sisters and brothers, who inspire the region with their resilience, will rebuild their country.”
Turkey is ready to assist in reconstructing devastated Syrian cities, Erdogan said, adding that he believes accelerating economic recovery will encourage the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
Ahmed al-sharaa said: "We value the efforts of his excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and his pursuit of a successful transitional period that brings back security and stability to the entire region, and I am honoured to invite his excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Syria at the earliest opportunity."
Al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime groups to remove the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, was declared president last week.