Ahmad al-Sharaa to visit Turkiye for diplomatic talks on Tuesday

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
3 Feb 2025 15:19

The Turkish and Syrian presidencies are expected to discuss measures to enhance Syria's economy and Turkiye's role in garnering security across the nation.

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Syria's de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa walks in the presidential palace ahead of his meeting with Walid Ellafi, Libyan minister of state for communication and political affairs, in Damascus, on December 28, 2024. (AP)

Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the transitional administration, has responded to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's invitation by scheduling a visit to Ankara on Tuesday.

Fakhreddine Antoun, the head of the Communications Directorate in the Turkish presidency, announced that Erdogan and al-Sharaa will discuss the latest developments in Syria, as well as potential measures the nations can jointly deploy to boost the country's economy and achieve lasting security and stability.

Moreover, the help the Turkish government would provide for the transitional Syrian administration will also be discussed, according to Antoun.

The Syrian administration has been trying to revive and maintain diplomatic relations with foreign countries after assuming power following the collapse of Assad's regime back in December.

Yesterday, al-Sharaa traveled to Saudi Arabia, alongside his Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, in his first state visit.

Saudi sources have reported that al-Sharaa is set to visit Riyadh for private and official meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, shortly after the Emir of Qatar’s visit to Damascus.

A few days ago, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their congratulations to al-Sharaa following his appointment as Syria's interim president, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency on January 30.

The Saudi King conveyed his "sincere wishes" to the newly named transitional leader, expressing hope that al-Sharaa will guide Syria toward a bright future.

Similarly, the Crown Prince offered his best wishes, stating that he hoped al-Sharaa would successfully "lead his country towards a bright future and achieve further progress and prosperity for Syrians." Additionally, the Saudi government extended well-wishes to the Syrian people, expressing hopes for "more progress and well-being."