Turkish Intelligence Chief Holds High-Level Talks in Damascus Amid Regional Shifts
The Turkish-Syrian meeting comes just as the European Union gave preliminary approval on Tuesday to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, in a coordinated effort to support the country’s recovery following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant diplomatic development, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met Monday with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a visit to Damascus, marking a new phase of engagement between Türkiye and Syria. According to Anadolu Agency, Kalin also held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and intelligence head Hussein al-Salama.
The meeting focused on the normalization of bilateral relations, with both parties underlining Syria’s territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and political stability as core priorities. Türkiye reiterated its readiness to support the Syrian government during the country’s post-conflict recovery phase.
Discussions also addressed the disarmament and reintegration of armed groups—specifically the People's Defense Units (YPG( —within the framework of a restructured Syrian political order. Ankara and Damascus exchanged views on security coordination, the status of border crossings, and the potential transfer of ISIS prison camps into Syrian custody.
Turkish Offer of Assistance and Coordination on Regional Issues
According to sources familiar with the meeting, Türkiye expressed its willingness to provide all necessary assistance to the Syrian government. The talks also touched on regional challenges, including recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and violations of the country’s airspace.
Both sides explored joint strategies to combat ISIS remnants and discussed the framework for the safe, voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
European and American Sanctions Lifted, Opening Path for Syrian Reintegration
The Turkish-Syrian meeting comes just as the European Union gave preliminary approval on Tuesday to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, in a coordinated effort to support the country’s recovery following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The move follows a similar announcement last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Damascus.
EU diplomats indicated that the sanctions relief aims to end Syria’s financial isolation by restoring access to global banking systems and unfreezing the Central Bank’s assets. However, the bloc is expected to maintain individual sanctions on figures accused of inciting sectarian tensions following recent attacks on the Alawite minority.
Other restrictive measures—such as the arms embargo and prohibitions on security-related equipment—will remain in place.
A Cautious Opening Toward Democratic Transition
Officials said the easing of sanctions may be reversed if Syria’s new leadership fails to uphold minority rights or demonstrate genuine steps toward democratic governance.
February’s partial sanctions suspension on key sectors had marked the EU’s first step. Tuesday’s full lifting reflects growing international acknowledgment of Syria’s shifting political landscape and is expected to influence further normalization efforts across the region.
