Anticipation of a Historic Visit
In an interview with Syria Now, published on August 14, 2026, the Turkish Ambassador to Syria, Yilmaz, confirmed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will definitely visit Damascus. Although the specific date of the visit has not yet been determined, the ambassador expressed hope that the trip will take place before the end of 2026. This visit will be a landmark event, symbolizing a new phase in relations between Turkey and the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
History of Postponed Plans
According to Ambassador Yilmaz, President Erdogan had planned to visit Damascus around April 21 of this year. However, the trip did not take place due to the outbreak of hostilities and the closure of airspace. These circumstances forced the visit to be rescheduled for a later date, but they did not change the Turkish leadership's determination to strengthen bilateral relations with Syria.
Development of Relations After the Fall of the Assad Regime
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, Ankara significantly strengthened its ties with Damascus. In February 2025, President al-Shara visited Ankara and held important talks with President Erdogan. These meetings laid the foundation for further development of cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including the economy, security, and cultural exchange.
Support for Syrian Sovereignty
During the interview, Ambassador Yilmaz also stated that Ankara supports Damascus in dissolving the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a separate entity and strengthening its sovereignty over the entire territory. This statement underscores Turkey's desire to contribute to stability and the integrity of Syria, as well as its readiness to support the new government in addressing internal and external challenges.
Military Cooperation and Trust
Ambassador Yilmaz confirmed that military cooperation and the level of trust between Turkey and Syria are currently high. Both leaders are determined to continue developing bilateral relations, which opens up new opportunities for joint projects and initiatives. The high level of trust between the two countries creates favorable conditions for implementing ambitious plans to strengthen regional security and stability.
