Damascus: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa engaged in discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to explore methods of enhancing bilateral relations and reviewing recent regional developments.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Syrian Presidency released a statement indicating that the meeting took place in Damascus on Sunday evening, with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also in attendance. The discussions centered on “ways to enhance relations between the two countries and an exchange of views on the latest regional developments.” Both parties highlighted “the importance of continuing coordination and consultation in a way that serves common interests and supports security and stability in the region.”

This meeting marks part of an official two-day visit to Syria by Fidan, which commenced on Sunday. Upon his arrival at Damascus International Airport, he was received by al-Shaibani. Before meeting with President al-Sharaa, Fidan also engaged in talks with al-Shaibani, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and the activation of the joint high-level committee between the two nations, alongside discussions on regional developments.

During a joint press conference held in Damascus, al-Shaibani revealed that discussions with Fidan included the activation of the joint high-level committee, with Damascus expressing intentions to increase trade volume with Turkey from approximately $4 billion to $10 billion. In response, Fidan announced an upcoming visit to Syria by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasizing the significant momentum gained in relations between the two countries over the past two years.

Fidan’s visit to Syria follows a recent meeting with al-Shaibani in Ankara, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations, updates on the High-Level Coordination Council, and regional developments.