Quick Read
- Türkiye and Syria have initiated high-level economic meetings in Damascus to formalize growing trade ties.
- Turkish exports to Syria increased by nearly 60% in 2025, reaching $3.5 billion, with continued growth reported in early 2026.
- The diplomatic outreach, involving trilateral talks with Ukrainian leadership, highlights Türkiye’s strategy of using economic integration to stabilize regional security.
DAMASCUS (Azat TV) – Türkiye and Syria have entered a critical phase of diplomatic and economic engagement, marking a significant recalibration of ties in a theater long defined by instability. The move comes as Ankara seeks to solidify its position as a regional mediator and economic bridge, following high-level trilateral discussions in Damascus involving Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Economic Integration as a Stabilizing Force
The diplomatic thaw has paved the way for the inaugural meeting of the Türkiye-Syria Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), scheduled for Tuesday. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat is expected to co-chair the committee alongside Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar. This development follows the inclusion of Syria into Türkiye’s list of target export markets earlier this year, a strategic pivot intended to capitalize on the trade momentum observed since late 2024.
Building Momentum in Bilateral Trade
The economic stakes are substantial. Turkish exports to Syria surged by nearly 60% in 2025, reaching $3.5 billion, and the upward trend persisted into early 2026. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) indicates that in the first two months of this year alone, exports climbed 26.7% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching over $666.7 million. The upcoming Türkiye-Syria Business and Investment Forum is designed to institutionalize this growth, gathering stakeholders from the energy, construction, and logistics sectors to explore long-term infrastructure and industrial partnerships.
Regional Security and the Diplomatic Bridge
The sudden intensity of these meetings underscores a broader effort by Ankara to manage regional security through economic interdependency. By bridging interests between Damascus and international actors—including the ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Kyiv—Türkiye is positioning itself as a central node for regional stability. As global markets monitor the opening of the BIST 100, the success of these negotiations is viewed not only as a bilateral economic win but as a test of Türkiye’s influence in navigating the complex geopolitical rivalries currently impacting the Middle East.
The synchronization of high-level diplomatic summits with concrete trade committee activation suggests that Ankara is prioritizing economic normalization as a prerequisite for long-term security, effectively using commercial incentives to secure influence in a post-conflict Syrian landscape.