A high-level Syrian naval delegation concluded a three-day visit to Turkey on Thursday, touring the Turkish frigate TCG Kemalreis and meeting with senior Turkish naval commanders. As the two neighboring countries move to formalize defense cooperation following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, this visit marks a significant milestone.
According to a report by Adam Lucente in Al-Monitor, Turkey is actively working to help Syria establish its new military structure, with its neighbors also cooperating on counter-narcotics and intelligence matters, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics.
The delegation, led by Syrian Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Saud, arrived in Ankara on Tuesday at the invitation of Turkish naval commander Lieutenant General Ergument Tatlioglu. During their visit, Al-Saud met with Admiral Kadir Yildiz, Commander of the Turkish Naval Fleet, in Kocaeli Province, northwest Turkey, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing naval coordination.
The Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed on the social media platform X that Al-Saud toured the Turkish frigate TCG Kemalreis and received detailed briefings on its operational capabilities. The visit also included meetings at the Turkish navy's command headquarters on Wednesday, where both sides explored opportunities for maritime cooperation, according to Syria's official news agency SANA.
This naval exchange represents the latest development in rapidly evolving Turkish-Syrian defense ties. Turkey moved quickly to establish formal military cooperation with Syria's new government after Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, assumed power following Assad's ouster in December. In August, the two countries signed a comprehensive defense agreement that includes reciprocal visits, training programs, consultancy services, and technical assistance.
The transformation in Syrian-Turkish relations marks a dramatic reversal from recent years when Ankara backed Sunni opposition fighters against Assad's regime. The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army fought alongside HTS during the civil war, contributing to the eventual collapse of Assad's military forces.
Syria's new leadership has announced ambitious plans to build a unified national military force, urging various rebel groups to integrate into the new structure. HTS formally dissolved in January, and while many factions have joined the latest military, some groups, particularly in southern Syria, maintain their independence.
Turkey's military assistance program, which could span several years and cost billions of dollars, serves multiple strategic objectives. Beyond helping Syria establish professional armed forces, Ankara aims to counter the influence of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which Turkey views as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party despite US support for the SDF in anti-Islamic State operations.
Security cooperation extends beyond military training. Earlier this month, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin visited Damascus, while Turkish intelligence has assisted Syrian authorities in combating the illicit Captagon drug trade. In September, Syrian officials credited Turkish intelligence with helping seize a significant quantity of the amphetamine pills and drug-manufacturing equipment.
The diplomatic momentum continued this week as Syrian President Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Erdogan called for lifting the remaining sanctions on Syria, although some restrictions, including the US Caesar Act, remain in place under temporary waivers. Despite the United States and the European Union having lifted most sanctions earlier this year, these restrictions remain.
Photo: Al Monitor