Nuh Yilmaz, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Damascus, has stated that the primary security threats previously plaguing the Turkish-Syrian border have been successfully eliminated since the new administration in Syria assumed power. During an interview on the "Syria Now" program, hosted by the Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel, Yilmaz underscored the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. He noted that Damascus holds a unique place in the Turkish national memory, with a legacy spanning from the Seljuks to the Ottoman Empire, and highlighted that the most distinctive traces of their shared culture, including the call to prayer at the Umayyad Mosque, remain vibrant today.
Addressing the security landscape, Yilmaz referenced the guiding principle of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that "Syria's security is Türkiye's security." According to the ambassador, four specific strategic security challenges—human smuggling, drug trafficking, uncontrolled migration, and terrorism—suddenly vanished along the border following December 8, 2024. As a tangible indicator of future maritime and military cooperation, Yilmaz pointed to the recent visit of Turkish naval vessels to Latakia Port. He emphasized that Türkiye is prepared to support the Syrian army by addressing its logistical, equipment, and training needs.
Ankara remains focused on the regional presence of terrorist elements, with Yilmaz reiterating that the PKK, YPG, and SDF must be completely removed from the region. He stated that the Turkish government is closely monitoring the process between the Syrian government and the YPG, asserting that the total elimination of these elements across Türkiye, Syria, and Iraq is essential to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. While acknowledging that the integration process is progressing slowly, Yilmaz affirmed that Türkiye supports initiatives aimed at ending terrorism, a stance he noted is shared by Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa.
Economic ties are also expanding rapidly, with Yilmaz reporting a 40 percent increase in bilateral trade volume, which has reached $3.75 billion. The nations have set a medium-term target of $10 billion in trade, with ongoing negotiations regarding joint industrial zones and a free trade agreement. Türkiye aims to reopen all border crossings along the more than 900-kilometer (559-mile) frontier. Under an agreement between the Turkish Ministry of Trade and Syrian customs authorities, crossings such as the Nusaybin-Qamishli route are expected to become operational gradually within three months. Additionally, a Free Zone and Dry Port project in Idlib is planned to expedite customs and transportation procedures.
Social and educational cooperation is also moving forward. An agreement between the Turkish Ministry of National Education and Syrian authorities will facilitate the opening of an international Turkish school in Damascus and its surrounding areas. Regarding Syrians under temporary protection in Türkiye, Yilmaz noted that work permit exemptions have been in place for some time, and both the Turkish Foreign and Interior Ministries are currently working on new visa arrangements to facilitate travel for those returning to Syria. Finally, regarding a potential visit by President Erdogan to Damascus, Yilmaz expressed hope that the trip could occur before the end of the year. He described the potential meeting as a historic opportunity, noting that an image of President Erdogan and President al-Sharaa walking together at the Umayyad Mosque would serve as a powerful symbol of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Contacts that had been planned previously were postponed because of developments in the region."We hope to see Mr.
