On January 15, a delegation from the Syrian transitional government, led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra, and Head of the General Intelligence Service Anas Hassan Khattab, made its first official visit to Turkey. This visit marks an important step in the restoration of relations between the two countries, with Turkey playing a significant role in Syria after the change of power in Damascus. However, the Kurdish issue remains a source of concern for Turkish authorities, who are trying to address it through military means. At the same time, Russian officials expressed satisfaction with the positive statements made by the new Syrian leadership towards Russia.

The visit of the Syrian delegation to Ankara confirms the new phase in relations between Turkey and Syria, with Turkey emerging as a strategic partner for Syria. Experts note that Ankara is benefiting from the political changes in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan previously stated that several Syrian cities, such as Aleppo and Raqqa, could have become part of Turkey if the conditions of the post-World War I peace settlements had been different, highlighting the country’s territorial ambitions.

Despite strengthening ties with Turkey, Syria continues to maintain its position within the Arab sphere. Expert Muhammad Nadir Al-Amri points out that security issues are likely to have been the main topics of discussion during the negotiations.

Turkey and Syria were allies until the start of the Syrian war, when their relations began to deteriorate due to the suppression of mass protests in Syria. Subsequently, Turkey began supporting the Syrian opposition, providing its territory for bases and refugee camps. The Kurdish issue remains a major point of tension: Turkey is actively opposing Kurdish forces, which it views as linked to the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Given the political changes, Russia will need to negotiate with Turkey on the issue of military bases in Syria. Moscow is interested in maintaining its presence in the region, including through contacts with the Syrian authorities. However, Turkey has expressed its disagreement with the presence of Russian military bases on Syrian territory, stating that the issue should be decided by the Syrian people. At the same time, the Russian side continues to maintain contact with all factions in Syria and in the region, which may help preserve Russian bases in the country.

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16.01.2025 11:55