Since taking office in late 2024, President Al Shara has made it a priority to rebuild Syria and stabilize the country after more than a decade of civil war. Syria's infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving much of the population displaced, and the economy has been battered by both internal and external factors. Al Shara's government faces an uphill battle in re-establishing control over contested areas, with international aid and reconstruction efforts subject to political and logistical challenges.
Turkey, which has long been involved in Syria's northern regions, will likely play a key role in the reconstruction process, given its proximity and economic capabilities. Over the years, Turkey has supported various opposition groups, and its forces have been active in northeastern Syria, particularly to counter Kurdish groups that Ankara considers terrorist organizations linked to the PKK . The ongoing Kurdish presence in northern Syria is expected to be a major topic of discussion during Al Shara’s visit, as Turkey seeks security assurances from Syria regarding these groups.
As part of the dialogue, Turkey will aim to secure a commitment from Syria to curtail the activities of Kurdish fighters, who have been involved in the fight against ISIS but have also established strongholds near the Turkish border. Turkish officials have expressed concerns about the potential for Kurdish separatism, and Ankara has carried out several military operations in Syria to neutralize what it deems as a growing security threat. The visit could open the door to a new level of cooperation between the two nations, particularly in securing Syria’s northern border, which has long been a flashpoint for conflict.
Al Shara's visit also highlights the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. In the years since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, Turkey and Syria’s relationship has been defined by conflict, but the shifting landscape has made room for pragmatic cooperation. With Syria’s diplomatic isolation in recent years, President Al Shara has sought to restore ties with neighboring countries, and Turkey’s involvement in Syria’s reconstruction could pave the way for future collaboration.
The reconstruction efforts in Syria will require significant financial resources, and Turkey, with its own economic challenges, is unlikely to shoulder the entire burden alone. The involvement of international actors, including the United Nations, regional organizations, and private sectors, will be vital in ensuring that Syria’s rebuilding process is both comprehensive and sustainable. However, the question of whether international sanctions on Syria will be eased to facilitate reconstruction remains an open issue. The economic sanctions, imposed due to the Syrian government’s human rights abuses and its handling of the conflict, continue to stymie the country’s economic recovery.
Humanitarian organizations have long warned that Syria’s reconstruction must prioritize the needs of its citizens, many of whom are still displaced, either internally or in neighboring countries. Over 6 million Syrians have fled the country since the war began, and millions more remain in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical care. The challenge of ensuring that reconstruction efforts benefit all Syrians, including displaced populations, remains one of the central concerns for international stakeholders.
Turkey, for its part, has already hosted millions of Syrian refugees and has been under significant pressure to manage this humanitarian crisis. President Al Shara's visit could serve as an opportunity for Turkey to leverage its position as a host country to secure further commitments from Syria on refugee repatriation and improved living conditions for those displaced by the war.
The Turkish government has faced growing domestic challenges related to the refugee issue, with many citizens expressing frustration over the large numbers of refugees living in the country. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has emphasized the need for international support in addressing the situation, and this meeting with President Al Shara could be a chance to discuss a coordinated approach to repatriation.