Sat May 24 13:52:15 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul following the lifting of Western sanctions on Syria. Erdogan expressed support for the move and condemned Israel’s actions in Syrian territory. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and Syria’s reconstruction. The meeting follows increased diplomatic activity and support for Syria’s recovery after years of civil war.

**News Article:**

**Erdogan Meets Syrian Interim President as Sanctions Lifted, Condemns Israeli Actions**

**ISTANBUL** – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Istanbul on Saturday, following the recent lifting of sanctions by the United States and the European Union to aid Syria’s recovery.

During the meeting at the Dolmabahce Palace, Erdogan reportedly welcomed the end of the sanctions. According to a statement from his office, Erdogan also stated that “Israel’s occupation and aggression in Syrian territory is unacceptable” and reiterated Turkiye’s opposition to such actions.

The meeting, which included key Turkish officials, focused on deepening bilateral relations and the reconstruction efforts in Syria. Al-Sharaa was accompanied by his Defence and Foreign Ministers.

This is Al-Sharaa’s second international trip after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. The lifting of sanctions follows efforts by regional allies to convince the United States to ease restrictions on Syria.

Washington and the EU have cited humanitarian concerns and the need for Syria’s recovery after years of civil war as reasons for lifting the sanctions. The Syrian government has welcomed the move, calling it “a positive step” toward alleviating the country’s economic struggles.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkiye, Thomas Barrack, met with Al-Sharaa in Istanbul and praised the leader’s efforts on foreign relations. The sanctions, initially imposed in 1979 and significantly increased after the 2011 crackdown on protesters, had crippled rebuilding efforts in the war-torn country.

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