Damascus: A high-level Turkish military delegation visited the Syrian capital, Damascus, yesterday to engage in discussions on defense and security cooperation with Syrian army leaders.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the delegation’s visit marks a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral cooperation as the Syrian authorities regain their operational capabilities.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense sources highlighted the visit’s importance, noting it as the first of its kind. Meetings were held with Syrian officials and leaders of Turkish forces currently deployed in Syria. A primary focus of the discussions was the shared challenges posed by terrorist organizations that threaten both nations.

Both sides expressed a commitment to ongoing consultations aimed at developing a joint action plan to address security threats and strengthen defense cooperation. The Syrian News Agency (SANA) reported that Syrian Minister of Defense, Major General Marhaf Abu Qasra, alongside Chief of Staff Major General Ali al-Naasan and other Syrian officers, formally received the Turkish delegation.

During the visit, Syrian army leaders conducted an inspection tour of military barracks with the Turkish delegation. Furthermore, the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, chaired an expanded meeting at the People’s Palace in Damascus, declaring al-Sharaa as the transitional president. This meeting also resulted in significant decisions, including the abolition of the 2012 constitution, dissolution of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, the People’s Assembly, and the regime’s military and security services previously led by deposed President Bashar al-Assad.