The international context is pushing for the normalization of relations between Turkey and Syria, which were severed in 2012. This restoration of diplomatic ties is anticipated to be more beneficial for Damascus than for Ankara, according to the pro-government Turkish newspaper Hürriyet.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently indicated that he is considering inviting his Russian and Syrian counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad, to Turkey to discuss the normalization of relations between Ankara and Damascus and broader issues related to the Syrian settlement.
"The international context is very significant in such events. Sometimes it is driven by imminent threats, and other times by emerging opportunities. The current global environment calls for a rapprochement between Turkey and Syria," - writes Hürriyet political columnist Abdulkadir Selvi. - "Al-Assad has limited options. The threat from Israel is increasing daily. Following its actions in the Gaza Strip, Israel is now focusing on Lebanon, and its subsequent target could be Syria," he adds.
Drawing parallels with Turkey's recent normalization of relations and active economic cooperation with Iraq in 2024, Selvi suggests that a similar approach should be taken with Syria. "If Erdogan and al-Assad take this step, a new balance will emerge. <...> A new Syria will emerge, and its reconstruction will begin. The normalization of bilateral relations will benefit Syria more than Turkey," Selvi asserts.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, during a meeting with Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Syrian settlement Alexander Lavrentiev on June 26, expressed that Damascus is "open to all initiatives aimed at improving relations with Turkey, provided the process respects Syrian sovereignty and the state's desire to reassert control over the entire country." On June 28, Erdogan stated his readiness to restore diplomatic relations with Damascus. Consequently, local media and observers speculate that a personal meeting between Erdogan and al-Assad could occur in the near future.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on TASS materials