Wed Feb 05 07:18:25 UTC 2025: ## Syria’s Interim President Seeks International Pressure on Israel During Turkey Visit
**Ankara, Turkey –** Syria’s interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, concluded a visit to Turkey on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, urging international pressure on Israel to withdraw from a buffer zone in southern Syria. Al-Sharaa, appointed last week after leading insurgents who ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December, held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on Syria’s economic recovery and security threats.
The two leaders discussed a “joint strategy” to address security concerns, particularly the presence of Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria, which Turkey considers a threat. Al-Sharaa emphasized the need for Israel to adhere to the 1974 agreement and vacate the southern buffer zone. He also highlighted the importance of economic cooperation with Turkey, aiming to boost trade and investment for Syria’s recovery.
Erdogan, in a relatively low-key ceremony compared to typical state visits, stated that Turkey and Syria found agreement on almost every issue discussed. He emphasized Turkey’s readiness to support Syria in fighting terrorism, including from groups like Daesh and the PKK.
Al-Sharaa’s visit follows a recent meeting between the SDF commander, Mazloum Abdi, and al-Sharaa in Damascus, indicating ongoing negotiations regarding the future of Kurdish groups in Syria. Turkey, which hosts over 3.8 million Syrian refugees, views the Syrian Kurdish militias as a security threat and is actively engaging in military operations near the border. The two countries’ cooperation is viewed as crucial for regional stability given their shared border and the ongoing Syrian conflict.
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