Turkey and Syria intensified efforts to strengthen their relationship through a series of high-level meetings focused on defense, security, and regional stability. A Syrian delegation led by Defense Minister Muharram Abu Qasra met October 11 with officials from Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries Foundation in Damascus to discuss cooperation in defense production, according to a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
The ministry said the talks, headed by Turkish official Haluk Gürgun, explored “many common issues and ways to support the defense industries between the two countries.” The meeting follows months of similar engagements between defense ministries, including discussions on land, sea, and air defense cooperation.
Expanding Military Cooperation
The latest talks build on a military cooperation agreement signed on August 13 in Ankara. According to SANA, it includes joint training, consulting, and technical assistance in fields such as counterterrorism, mine clearance, cyber defense, and peacekeeping operations.
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and his Syrian counterpart Abu Qasra signed the memorandum of understanding, aiming to “enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army” and support defense sector modernization. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed the deal was reached at Syria’s request and reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to aiding Syria in “combating terrorist organizations.”
The visit follows Shaibani’s earlier trip to Ankara last week, where he and Fidan underscored mutual concerns over the activities of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). At a joint press conference, Fidan said the SDF “is pursuing a separatist agenda under the guise of fighting ISIS,” urging compliance with the March 10 agreement between Ankara and Damascus. Shaibani, meanwhile, reiterated that dialogue with the SDF continues but criticized the group’s “slow” progress toward integration with the Syrian army.
Regional Implications and Cautious Optimism
Turkish intelligence chief Kalin described the renewed engagement as part of Ankara’s efforts to “preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity.” Speaking at the International Intelligence Studies Conference in Ankara, he said rebuilding Syria after “the fall of the Baath regime” requires shared responsibility and cooperation from neighboring states.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed that sentiment, warning that Turkey’s patience “should not be interpreted as weakness” and calling for full SDF integration into the Syrian state. “Whoever steers their compass toward Ankara and Damascus will ultimately win,” Erdogan said, according to Anadolu Agency.
As the two countries continue to deepen military and political coordination, regional observers say it could be the beginning of a renewed and lasting Turkish-Syrian relation since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
