Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa reportedly set to make first official visit abroad to Türkiye
Leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa waits for Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's arrival ahead of their meeting in Damascus, Syria on December 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader and head of the transitional government, is expected to make his first official overseas visit to Türkiye in the coming days, according to a report from the Turkish media.
The visit, initially scheduled to take place earlier, was postponed because of adjustments in the agenda.
During his trip, al-Sharaa is reportedly expected to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security and counterterrorism efforts.
Diplomatic meeting with Türkiye
Al-Sharaa’s reported visit carries both symbolic and strategic significance, will be marking the first official overseas engagement since he assumed leadership after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
One of the primary agenda points is expected to be the continued fight against the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, according to media reports.
Both Syrian and Turkish authorities have expressed firm commitments to eradicating terrorist elements from northern Syria.
Türkiye’s early diplomatic engagement with new Syrian leadership
Following the Assad regime’s collapse, Türkiye was among the first countries to establish direct contact with Syria’s new administration. Ibrahim Kalin, head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), was the first senior official to visit Damascus.
Subsequently, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also held high-level talks with Syrian authorities.
Al-Sharaa’s choice of Türkiye for his first official overseas visit highlights the strategic partnership between Ankara and Damascus in shaping Syria’s future, as many expected Ankara to be Sharaa’s first visit.
