• Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has engaged in talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan focusing on security and economic cooperation.
• Al-Sharaa condemned Iranian militia influences in Syria, viewing them as a destabilizing regional threat.
• The new Syrian government aims to recalibrate its relationships, including seeking to restore ties with the United States.

In a significant diplomatic move, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa traveled to Ankara for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking his second international trip since assuming office. The two leaders focused on bolstering security and defense ties, particularly against Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria, which Turkey classifies as a national security threat. Al-Sharaa, whose leadership surfaced following the ousting of long-time President Bashar al-Assad, emphasized the need for a "strategic partnership" with Turkey to address shared concerns regarding armed groups and regional stability. As reported, Erdogan conveyed Turkey's readiness to support Syria in combating ISIS and Kurdish fighters, stating, "We are ready to provide the necessary support to Syria in the fight against all kinds of terrorism." This sentiment is critical as it represents a thawing of relations between Turkey and Syria that were strained since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, as outlined by NPR.

Alongside these discussions, a notable shift in Syria's foreign relations was evident as al-Sharaa expressed intentions to realign with the United States. In an interview, he articulated his government's aim to restore ties with Washington, describing sanctions as "the gravest risk" to Syria's recovery. He also stressed that any foreign military presence, including US troops, needs to occur under the Syrian government’s approval, a point that highlights the changing dynamics after al-Assad's exit. As he stated, "Any military presence in a sovereign state should take place under a certain agreement," reflecting a clear push towards recognizing Syria's sovereignty, as reported by Reuters.

Additionally, al-Sharaa criticized the presence of Iranian militias in Syria, denouncing them as destabilizing influences that have long posed a regional threat. His recent remarks signal a potential shift in Syria's alliances, marking an effort to diminish Iranian influence in the region, as highlighted in his dialogue with AP News.

During his discussions with Erdogan, al-Sharaa also touched upon the administration of Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria. Turkey's irritation with Kurdish militias has been persistent, and Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitments to combat these forces. This military engagement composes an essential facet of Turkey's strategy to ensure border security while addressing the political vacuum emerging in the region following the Syrian civil war. As al-Sharaa mentioned, the "threats that prevent territorial unity in northeastern Syria" were pressing matters during their discussions, hinting at a potential hardline stance on Kurdish self-rule, as covered by Al Jazeera.

The evolving landscape in Syria poses daunting challenges for al-Sharaa’s administration as it seeks international legitimacy and economic recovery in a country ravaged by years of conflict. The interim president’s diplomatic maneuvers are indicative of a broader shift in alliances and strategies aimed at stabilizing the region and addressing pressing humanitarian needs, a move underscored by calls for international support and aid.