Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra held a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler, in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Syria and Turkiye.
Focus on Military Cooperation
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, Abu Qasra and Guler deliberated on military cooperation and broader strategic ties. The meeting underscores the growing relationship between Damascus and Ankara following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024.
Ankara had supported groups opposing the Assad rule and hosted over 3.5 million Syrian refugees since the civil war began in 2011.
Participation in Efes 2026 Drills
Last month, the Syrian Arab Army took part in the Efes 2026 land, naval, and air forces drills in Turkiye, alongside 50 countries from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This marked the first time the Syrian Army participated alongside NATO members since the fall of the Assad regime.
Turkiye deployed approximately 10,388 military personnel in the drills, with 1,305 soldiers from various countries, including the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
