Erdoğan: Türkiye to assist Syria in shaping new government, constitution

Türkiye is set to support Syria in establishing governmental institutions and preparing a new constitution, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Speaking to reporters after returning from the D-8 summit in Cairo on December 19, Erdoğan confirmed that Türkiye has begun consultations with representatives of Syria's new leadership, including Ahmed al-Sharaa, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

"The situation in Syria has changed. The fact that Assad is currently in Russia highlights the significance of recent developments," Erdoğan said. "Our brothers and sisters in Syria will decide their future. We will assist them in determining their state structure and share our experience, particularly in the crucial task of preparing a constitution."

Erdoğan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to eliminating the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in Syria, including ISIS and the PKK/YPG.

"It is time to neutralize these organizations to secure our southern borders."

"We have already sent National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalın to Syria, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been in ongoing dialogue with all parties involved," he added.

According to Erdoğan, Hakan Fidan will visit Syria in the near future, as Ankara intends to strengthen trade relations with the country.

To recap, Türkiye is expected to play a critical role in Syria’s post-conflict economic recovery following the collapse of the Assad regime earlier this month. After 61 years of Baath Party rule, Syria’s economy faced severe challenges, including high inflation and a disrupted trade balance.

Strategically located between Asia, Europe, and Africa, Syria is well-positioned for a trade-driven economic recovery. Türkiye, one of the region's largest economies, has maintained strong trade ties with Syria, importing $363.5 million worth of Syrian goods and exporting $2 billion to the country in the past year. Key sectors for collaboration include agriculture, construction, and energy, with 11 safe zones in Syria offering opportunities for foreign investment.

Ali Mamouri, a researcher at Deakin University, emphasized that while Syria’s reconstruction faces significant hurdles, recovery hinges on political stability, international support, and a cohesive recovery plan. He noted that rebuilding infrastructure, particularly roads, power plants, and communication networks, would be essential for economic revitalization. The destruction of Syria’s oil sector and agricultural industry also poses long-term challenges.

Türkiye’s expertise in infrastructure development, including energy, transportation, and telecommunications, could be instrumental. Mamouri suggested that regional cooperation could benefit both Syria and Türkiye, with potential energy transit from Qatar to Europe and enhanced trade links.

However, recovery will also depend on addressing humanitarian needs and securing international loans and trade agreements, while sanctions remain a significant barrier to full recovery.

By Aghakazim Guliyev