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Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said Thursday that his country has emerged from more than a decade of devastating conflict into what he called a moment of historic possibility, describing the partnership between Syria and Türkiye as a cornerstone of regional and global stability.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, al-Sharaa framed the bilateral relationship in sweeping terms. "The Syrian-Turkish partnership is a foundation upon which many things can be built, for the future of regional security and the security of the entire world," he said, adding that the two countries share "deep historical and geographical ties."
Al-Sharaa said Syria has "moved from a state of crisis to a major historic opportunity" for stability and reconstruction, citing the country's geographic and economic potential as key drivers of what he portrayed as a new chapter.
He described significant opportunities for regional connectivity between Syria and Türkiye, which he characterized as a bridge between East and West, and said Syria could serve as a "safe corridor and alternative route" for energy supplies and supply chains linking the Gulf to Türkiye.
He credited Türkiye with standing by the Syrian people throughout 14 years of conflict, framing that support as the basis for the current partnership.
On the security front, al-Sharaa announced that the last foreign military base had departed northeastern Syria. "Today the last foreign base exited northeast Syria," he said, describing the integration of SDF into the Syrian state as a "major achievement."
Al-Sharaa offered a pointed assessment of relations with Israel, saying negotiations have not collapsed but are advancing under severe strain. He accused Israel of "acting with great brutality" toward Syria and of occupying areas near the Golan Heights, while insisting that Damascus had chosen the diplomatic path to avoid further escalation.
He said talks are continuing "with great difficulty" due to Israeli insistence on maintaining a military presence inside Syrian territory, but stressed that Syria remains "serious" about reaching a security agreement that would support regional stability.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and annexed the territory in a move not recognized by most of the international community. Following the collapse of the Assad government, Israeli forces moved into a buffer zone along the ceasefire line, drawing condemnation from Damascus and regional actors.
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