The Turkish presidency confirmed the visit, with Fahrettin Altun, the head of communications at the presidency, stating on social media platform X that Sharaa's trip was made at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This invitation comes amid an evolving relationship between Syria and Turkey, which have had a history of tense relations, particularly due to their differing stances on the Syrian Civil War.
The timing of Sharaa's visit underscores the growing international engagement with Syria’s new leadership as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of a prolonged conflict. The Turkish government, having played a significant role in the Syrian conflict by supporting opposition groups, has recently shown a willingness to engage with Syria's interim government, signaling potential shifts in foreign policy as the region moves toward stabilization.
Sharaa's visit is expected to focus on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and the prospects for peace and stability in Syria. It is also likely to be a topic of discussion whether this visit could pave the way for broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East to address the post-Assad era and its implications for regional security.
This visit follows Sharaa's first international trip after taking office, as Syria seeks to build new alliances and establish its place on the international stage in the wake of Assad's regime's collapse.