Syria and Turkey strengthen strategic alliance and trade ties

Syria and Turkey are strengthening their strategic alliance following a meeting in Damascus between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions indicated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may visit Syria in the near future. Bilateral cooperation has resulted in approximately 40 agreements and memorandums of understanding, covering sectors such as energy, electricity supply for northern Syria, and the reactivation of land transport through the Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salama border crossings.

In addition to infrastructure and trade developments, including a proposed free trade zone and a river port in Idlib, Syria is seeking further international integration. Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani held a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the lifting of sanctions. While Damascus expressed recognition for recent U.S. measures regarding sanctions, Al-Shaibani emphasized the need for practical economic and financial repercussions to support Syria’s stability and investment potential. This diplomatic movement follows the IAEA's decision to close the Syrian nuclear non-compliance file, marking a new phase of international cooperation.