Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday emphasized the strengthening of Trkiye-Syria bilateral ties and cooperation in all areas, especially energy, defense, and transportation, during his meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties, as well as regional and global developments, in a closed-door meeting in Istanbul.

According to Anadolu Agency, during the meeting, President Erdogan expressed his belief that Syria will see brighter and more peaceful days ahead, affirming that Ankara will continue to stand by Damascus as it has until now. Erdogan stated that Israel's occupation and aggression in Syria are unacceptable and Trkiye will continue to oppose it.

Following the US and EU decisions to lift sanctions on Syria, al-Sharaa made his first visit to Trkiye. Erdogan welcomed the beginning of the sanctions removal process and emphasized the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and managing the country and its army through a single central authority. The Syrian president thanked Erdogan for his crucial support and efforts toward lifting sanctions on Damascus.

Erdogan was accompanied at the meeting by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, head of Trkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat Haluk Gorgun, chief presidential adviser on foreign policy and security Akif Cagatay Kilic, and Chief Advisor to the President Sefer Turan. The Syrian delegation included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and several other officials.