ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, on Tuesday was received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip in Ankara. Both sides expressed their intentions to bolster bilateral relations, with Sharaa inviting Erdogan to Damascus.
Sharaa was warmly welcomed by Erdogan at the Turkish Presidential Complex in Ankara.
This is Sharaa’s second trip abroad, following his visit to Saudi Arabia.
"My esteemed brother and I evaluated the joint steps to be taken to establish regional security and economic stability,” the Turkish president said during a joint presser with the Syrian interim leader.
Syrian people possess the necessary determination to establish their future, Erdogan added.
Erdogan called on the Arab and Islamic countries to provide financial and moral support to the new administration in Syria, saying the aid is “crucial.”
Sharaa expressed his country’s willingness to expand relations with neighboring Turkey in all fields. He invited Erdogan to visit Damascus.
Rudaw asked Syrians about their expectations from Sharaa's visit to Turkey.
They expressed a desire for stronger economic and military ties between both neighboring countries.
“We call on Mr Ahmad al-Sharaa to bolster ties with the Turkish side and improve economic relations between both countries. The most important thing is that it [the visit] is in the great interest of both neighboring countries,” Ibrahim Sharifi, a resident of Damascus, told Rudaw.
Hamzeh al-Khalafi is another resident of the Syrian capital.
“We want the Turkish experience to be transferred here, especially in the military field. Also other experiences, such as health and education. It is also important to improve the livelihood of people,” he said.
