Syrian regime leader Assad open to all initiatives to restore ties with Türkiye

Syrian regime leader Bashar Assad has expressed openness to all initiatives aimed at improving relations with Türkiye.

During a meeting in Damascus with Russia’s Special Envoy to Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, Assad stated Syria is open to all initiatives based on the country’s territorial integrity.

Assad also mentioned the potential for collaboration between Syria and Turkey in the fight against terrorism, stating: “We can cooperate to develop Syria-Turkey relations based on combating terrorism and terrorist organizations.”

The relationship between Türkiye and Syria deteriorated when then-Turkish Prime Minister, now President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Assad for his violent crackdown on his own people during the Syrian civil war outbreak.

Türkiye supported moderate opposition groups in Syria, advocating for the country’s democratization.

Russia, which maintains good relations with both Türkiye and Syria, could act as a mediator in restoring Ankara-Damascus relations.

The Türkiye-Iran-Russia trio has already developed significant cooperation through the Astana Process to establish peace in Syria.