Turkish president joins virtual summit with US, Saudi, Syrian leaders

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in a high-level virtual summit on May 14 alongside US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a meeting widely regarded as a significant diplomatic milestone.

Official sources suggest that the summit marked the first direct engagement between President Trump and President al-Sharaa, taking place against the backdrop of Trump’s regional tour, with Riyadh as his first stop, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

The unprecedented meeting has drawn attention amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

In a major development, President Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, a decision he suggested came following persuasion by Erdoğan. The Turkish leader hailed the move as “historic,” emphasizing its potential to set a precedent for other nations that have maintained punitive measures against Damascus.

“The lifting of sanctions is of historic significance. It should serve as an example to other countries which still have sanctions in place targeting Syria,” Erdoğan stated during the meeting, highlighting Türkiye’s continued support for Syria’s stabilization efforts.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to assisting Syria in its fight against terrorism, particularly against extremist factions such as Daesh.

The inclusion of President al-Sharaa in a multilateral forum of this level reflects a notable shift in regional diplomacy, signaling possible openings for broader international engagement with Damascus after years of isolation.

By Vafa Guliyeva