Syria, Turkey sign joint defense cooperation agreement
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Syria and Turkey sign a joint defense agreement to boost the Syrian army's capabilities and deepen energy cooperation in oil, gas, and electricity.
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Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler on August 13, 2025 (Syrian Defense Ministry)
The Syrian and Turkish defense ministries signed a joint defense cooperation agreement on Wednesday, marking a significant step in military collaboration between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra, in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and General Intelligence Director Hussein Salameh.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the accord aims to “strengthen the capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army, develop its institutions and structure, and support a comprehensive security sector reform process.”
In a parallel move reflecting growing bilateral ties, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar signed a joint cooperation agreement focusing on expanding collaboration in multiple energy sectors, particularly oil, gas, electricity, and minerals.
Turkey supports Syria militarily
Turkey is strengthening its military presence in Syria by providing training and advisory support to the new Syrian armed forces, with no immediate plans to withdraw or relocate its troops, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler told Reuters.
In a written statement, Guler stressed that Turkey remains committed to aiding Syria’s new government, which came to power after opposition groups, some formerly backed by Ankara, removed Bashar al-Assad from power in December.
“We have started providing military training and consultancy services, while taking steps to increase Syria's defence capacity,” Guler said, though he did not elaborate on specific measures.
With more than 20,000 Turkish troops stationed in Syria, Guler said it was premature to discuss any troop withdrawal or redeployment.
Strategic priorities
Turkey currently controls large areas of northern Syria and has established multiple military bases following several cross-border operations targeting Kurdish militants it considers "terrorist threats."
