Erdogan Holds Private Talks with Syrian Leader, Vows Stronger Ties

Meeting overview

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in a closed-door session at the presidential complex in Ankara on the margins of the NATO summit. According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, the leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments; Erdogan said efforts to deepen cooperation would intensify and reaffirmed that Ankara will continue to stand by the Syrian people, stressing that keeping Syria out of regional conflicts is vital for rebuilding.

The discussions took place during a two-day NATO summit hosted by Türkiye that gathered alliance leaders to debate Europe’s defense capacity, defense spending targets, military modernization and continued support for Ukraine. The gathering also offered space for bilateral meetings on political, security and economic cooperation; it is Türkiye’s second time hosting a NATO summit since 2004 and underscores Ankara’s diplomatic engagement on regional stability. as reported by Anadolu Agency