Reviving ties: Türkiye, Syria agree to negotiate free trade deal

Türkiye and Syria have agreed to reexamine customs tariffs and reopen talks on reinstating their free trade agreement, which was suspended in 2011 due to the outbreak of war in Syria.

The discussions, held against the backdrop of significant political changes in Syria, signal an effort to restore economic ties between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports via international media.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade issued a statement confirming the decision:

“The two sides agreed to start negotiations with a view to renewing the free trade agreement, which expired in 2011, in order to form a more comprehensive approach to economic relations.”

The statement further highlighted plans to revise customs duties on specific goods, ensuring identical tariffs are applied at all border points by both countries. This move aims to streamline cross-border trade and foster economic cooperation.

The renewed focus on economic collaboration comes amid significant military and political upheaval in Syria. In late November 2024, Syrian opposition forces launched a sweeping offensive, capturing key cities including Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and even Damascus. These developments cast uncertainty over the future of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Subsequent reports from the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Assad had resigned, facilitating a peaceful transfer of power. Assad and his family later travelled to Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin granted them asylum.

This dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape may have paved the way for Türkiye and Syria to begin addressing long-stalled economic matters. The potential revival of the free trade agreement and adjustments to customs tariffs reflect a cautious but significant step toward renewed collaboration between the two neighbours.

By Tamilla Hasanova