Description: Transitional Syrian interim President Ahmed Al – Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss bilateral ties, economic and security cooperation and diplomatic relations between the two counties. The meeting took place in Ankara where both presidents discussed the current state of Syria, possible solutions to rapid development and recuperation as well as security and military issues. Sharaa stated that Syria was looking to develop a strategic partnership with Turkey which would increase regional security while Erdogan stated that Turkey would assist the Syrian government in the fight against ISIS and Kurdish Militants. The presidents talked on economic cooperation as many Turkish companies were eyeing the Syrian transport and manufacturing market.
Impact: Turkey as a regional geopolitical power would further extend its influence over Syria in the upcoming period especially in countering Kurdish and ISIS militants as it aims towards regional security stabilization. Syria in its recuperation phase would aim to develop strategic partnership with a larger portfolio of countries as it distances itself from Russia. Turkey would aim to overtake the US regionally as it enhances diplomatic ties with the interim Syrian government and leverage the US’ distraction on the global geopolitical stage to ensure the incorporation of its regional interests. The power vacuum created with the abandonment of military bases by Russian forces in Syria could soon be filled as Turkey would aim to enhance cooperation on all possible levels especially military – wise.