Erdoğan, Syrian President al-Sharaa discuss bilateral ties, regional issues at Antalya forum
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to discuss bilateral relations, Syria's reconstruction, and regional issues. Erdoğan praised Damascus's steps toward unity and called for Syria to remain outside regional conflicts.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Syrian counterpart Ahmad al-Sharaa on Friday discussed bilateral relations, the current situation in Syria, and regional issues on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Praising Syria, Erdoğan said that Damascus is taking determined steps to strengthen its unity and solidarity, as well as reconstruction and development. He underlined that Türkiye will continue to stand by Syria throughout this process.
Syria's regional role
Syria should remain outside the conflicts in the region, Erdoğan urged, adding that expanding cooperation between Ankara and Damascus in all fields, particularly defense, security, trade, energy, and transportation, would be important for Syria's recovery efforts. Erdoğan called on the integration process in northeastern Syria to be concluded smoothly and without interruption, adding that such an outcome would benefit the entire region.
High-level attendance
Ahmad al-Sharaa was present at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Türkiye's southern resort city. The talks were attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Justice and Development (AK Party) Deputy Chairman and spokesman Omer Celik, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran. No further details were provided.
Advertisement
Antalya Diplomacy Forum
World leaders and senior government officials are convening in Türkiye from April 17 to 19 for the fifth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a major international gathering focused this year on managing global uncertainty. The forum, held under the auspices of President Erdoğan and hosted by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, centers on the theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties." Anadolu is the forum's global communications partner.
Ceasefire context
The meeting comes amid a two-week US-Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, and a separate 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire that took effect Friday. Erdoğan has previously stated that strengthening peace and stability in neighboring Syria is vital for the region's future.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.