Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Syria’s newly appointed leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, engaged in discussions in Ankara on Tuesday, concentrating on security matters, particularly in northeast Syria, where they intend to address the issue of Kurdish militants.

Erdogan conveyed Turkey’s willingness to support Syria’s new leadership in combating both the Islamic State and Kurdish fighters, as the relationship between the two countries continues to improve.

The Turkish president further proposed that stability in Syria could facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Syrian migrants to their homeland.

Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s position regarding the lifting of international sanctions placed on Syria during the tenure of former President Bashar al-Assad and highlighted the necessity for backing from Arab and Muslim countries during Syria's transition period.

Sharaa, speaking alongside Erdogan, indicated that his administration seeks to establish a 'strategic partnership' with Turkey, emphasizing collaboration against regional security threats as vital.

He also extended an invitation for Erdogan to visit Syria.

This marks a notable transformation in relations since Ankara cut ties with Damascus in 2011 following the onset of Syria’s civil war, during which Turkey supported rebel factions aiming to oust Assad.

During his visit, Sharaa additionally addressed the enhancement of economic relations, with Turkish companies, particularly in the sectors of transport and manufacturing, looking to expand in Syria, potentially tripling the trade volume between the two nations.