Syria‘s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday, following the lifting of Western sanctions on Syria. The meeting, which included top officials from both countries, discussed deepening bilateral relations and Syria’s reconstruction.
Erdogan’s office stated that the Turkish president welcomed the lifting of sanctions and reaffirmed Turkiye’s opposition to “Israel’s occupation and aggression in Syrian territory.”
During the meeting, Erdogan emphasized that “Israel’s occupation and aggression in Syrian territory is unacceptable,” and Turkiye will continue to oppose it on every platform.
Al-Sharaa, who has enjoyed Turkish backing in overthrowing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was accompanied by his Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
The lifting of sanctions by the US and the EU is expected to aid Syria’s recovery after years of civil war. The Syrian government has welcomed the move, describing it as a “positive step in the right direction to reduce humanitarian and economic struggles in the country.”
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, met with al-Sharaa on Saturday and praised the leader for taking meaningful steps regarding foreign fighters and relations with Israel.
The sanctions, imposed since 1979 and significantly expanded after the al-Assad government’s deadly crackdown on protesters in 2011, targeted entities and companies working with the al-Assad establishment, including those involved in rebuilding the country.
The EU has also lifted economic sanctions, following the US move last week. The new Syrian government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the lifting of sanctions would alleviate humanitarian and economic struggles in the country.
The meeting between Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul marked a significant development in bilateral relations. Following the lifting of sanctions on Syria by the US and European Union, the discussion focused on strengthening ties between the two nations and exploring ways to support Syria’s rebuilding efforts.
The Syrian government has welcomed the lifting of sanctions as a crucial step towards reducing humanitarian and economic struggles. With the EU’s economic sanctions now lifted, Syria can begin to recover from the devastating impact of the civil war. The meeting between al-Sharaa and Erdogan highlights the growing importance of Turkey’s role in shaping Syria’s future and supporting its reconstruction.