Syrian Interim President Al-Sharaa Meets Erdogan in Turkiye Post-Sanctions Lift

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Erdogan in Istanbul following the lifting of US and EU sanctions. Discussions centered on strengthening ties and reconstruction in Syria. The recent sanction lifts aim to aid the recovery of the war-hit nation, amidst a long-standing economic struggle exacerbated by civil conflict.

In a significant diplomatic development, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and several high-ranking officials in Istanbul. This meeting occurred against the backdrop of the recent decision by the United States and the European Union to lift sanctions imposed on Syria. The lifting aims to support the war-torn nation’s recovery and rebuilding process.

During the official reception at the Dolmabahce Palace on Saturday, Turkish state media captured images of the two leaders shaking hands. The meeting included key members of Erdogan’s cabinet, such as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler, though it was closed to the press.

Al-Sharaa, who has received considerable backing from Turkey in his efforts against the Assad regime, was joined by his Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. This meeting in Istanbul followed Al-Sharaa’s previous visit to Ankara in early February, which was his second foreign trip since meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening bilateral ties and the necessary reconstruction of Syria. Regional allies played a pivotal role in persuading President Trump to lift the severe sanctions that had caused extensive damage to Syria’s economy. On Friday, the first sanctions were lifted in line with Trump’s recent regional initiatives, a move quickly matched by the European Union’s actions.

The new Syrian government expressed optimism regarding the sanctions lift, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declaring it a “positive step in the right direction” towards alleviating the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the country. The sanctions had initially been enacted in 1979 under the regime of Hafez al-Assad, but they significantly intensified following the violent suppression of protests in 2011, leading to ongoing civil conflict.

Targeted sanctions had impeded efforts from any company or entity attempting to assist in Syria’s rebuilding efforts, complicating humanitarian efforts and delaying recovery efforts amidst the continued strife. As the sanctions are rolled back, many hope this will lead to a clearer path for reconstruction and alleviation of the plight of the Syrian people.

The meeting between Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marks a hopeful development following the lifting of Western sanctions. With mutual discussions aimed at cooperation and reconstruction, both nations are looking towards a future of recovery for Syria after a prolonged civil war. This lift in sanctions, paired with diplomatic engagement, might pave the way for a new chapter in Syrian-Turkish relations, suggesting potential recovery and support for the beleaguered nation.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com