Al-Shara expresses gratitude for Turkey’s support

Ahmed al-Shara thanks Turkey for its support and seeks a strategic alliance to rebuild Syria and address security concerns.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) and Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa depart after a joint press conference following their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Ankara on February 4, 2025. Photo by Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images

By Widya Putri and Clarisa Sendy

Syria’s new interim leader, Ahmed al-Shara, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday in Ankara, marking a significant step in regional diplomacy following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. During the meeting, al-Shara expressed his gratitude for Turkey’s backing of the Syrian opposition and its humanitarian support for millions of refugees displaced by the conflict.

“The people of Syria will never forget Turkey’s role in supporting our struggle for freedom,” al-Shara stated. “Now, we seek a deep strategic relationship that will benefit both nations.”

His remarks underscored Syria’s intention to build stronger ties with Turkey as it embarks on the difficult task of uniting a fractured country, reviving its devastated economy, and addressing ongoing security threats.

Turkey’s role in Syria’s transition

This meeting was Erdogan’s first with al-Shara, who emerged as Syria’s new leader after leading the offensive that removed Assad from power last month. Turkey, which has long opposed Assad’s rule, played a crucial role in supporting rebel groups and has hosted more than three million Syrian refugees since the war began.

Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to assisting Syria in its transition. “A stable Syria means a stable region,” he said. “We will continue to work with our Syrian brothers to restore peace and prosperity.”

The Turkish president also emphasized his administration’s desire to see all of Syria unified under a single government. He welcomed the new Syrian leadership’s determination to fight terrorism, specifically referring to Kurdish-led militias that Ankara considers a security threat.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the security situation in northeastern Syria, which remains under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The militia, backed by the United States, played a key role in defeating the Islamic State but is viewed by Turkey as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara.

Al-Shara acknowledged Turkey’s security concerns and called for a “shared strategy to confront regional threats.” While he did not specify how his government plans to address the issue, analysts believe Syria’s new leadership may seek cooperation with Turkey to weaken Kurdish influence in the north.

Turkey, which maintains military outposts in northwestern Syria and backs local armed groups, has long opposed Kurdish autonomy near its borders. Erdogan reiterated that Turkey would not tolerate any Kurdish separatist movement and would work closely with Syria’s new government to ensure regional stability.

Economic cooperation and post-war reconstruction

Beyond security, economic cooperation was another key focus of the talks. Syria’s economy has been in freefall due to years of war, international sanctions, and the destruction of infrastructure. Al-Shara hopes Turkey, a regional economic power, can assist in rebuilding efforts.

Erdogan pledged Turkey’s support in reconstructing war-torn cities and facilitating the return of refugees. He also stressed the need for the international community to lift sanctions imposed on Syria during Assad’s rule, arguing that they now hinder reconstruction efforts rather than serving any diplomatic purpose.

However, despite Turkey’s willingness to help, its own economy has struggled with high inflation and years of populist spending. While Erdogan expressed solidarity with Syria, it remains uncertain how much financial aid Turkey can provide.

As Syria navigates its post-Assad future, al-Shara has also sought backing from other regional powers. Last week, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the first foreign leader to visit Damascus since Assad’s fall. On Monday, al-Shara traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting his efforts to gain broader support from Gulf nations.

While these engagements signal a push for regional recognition, it remains unclear how much financial and political backing Syria’s new government will receive. Many international actors remain cautious, given al-Shara’s past ties to extremist groups.

A former Al Qaeda member, al-Shara distanced himself from the group years ago and has since adopted a more moderate stance. However, the militia he leads is still classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries. This presents a challenge for Syria’s new leadership as it seeks international legitimacy and economic aid.

Western governments have yet to publicly comment on al-Shara’s leadership, but diplomatic sources suggest they are closely monitoring developments. The United States and European nations are expected to take a cautious approach, weighing Syria’s new direction before making any major policy shifts.

Erdogan invited to visit Damascus

As the meeting concluded, al-Shara extended an official invitation to Erdogan to visit Syria, symbolizing the deepening ties between the two nations. The Turkish president did not confirm whether he would accept the offer but responded warmly, stating, “We will stand by the Syrian people in their new chapter.”

The meeting in Ankara marks a pivotal moment for Syria as it embarks on a new era of governance. While challenges remain, including security threats and economic hardships, al-Shara’s engagement with regional leaders suggests an effort to build stability and legitimacy for his administration.

Syria’s new interim leader, Ahmed al-Shara, is actively working to solidify alliances following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. His meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlights Syria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Turkey, addressing security concerns, and rebuilding the war-ravaged nation.

However, Syria’s path forward remains uncertain, with regional instability, economic struggles, and international skepticism posing significant obstacles. As the new government seeks support from Turkey and other key players, the coming months will determine whether al-Shara can successfully unify Syria and lead it into a new era.