Syria-Turkey Defense Pact, Plan to Establish Turkish Bases in Central Desert - Discussions Underway

Syria-Turkey Defense Pact, Plan to Establish Turkish Bases in Central Desert - Discussions Underway

Damascus: Syria’s Transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are scheduled to discuss a joint defense pact in Turkey's capital, Ankara, on Tuesday. According to four sources, the talks will include discussions on establishing Turkish air bases and the training of Syria’s new army.

This is the first time that elements of any defense pact involving Syria’s new leadership, including the possibility of Turkish air bases, have been revealed. The talks will address Turkey’s plan to establish two new air bases in Syria's vast central desert region, known as the Badiyah, and the use of Syrian airspace for future military purposes.

Syria's new leadership has dissolved the army and various rebel factions and is working on integrating them into a new military command. This pact could potentially strengthen military ties between Syria’s new government and Turkey.

A Turkish defense ministry official said, "The purpose of these meetings is to strengthen joint defense and security efforts between Syria and Turkey and to intensify the fight against terrorist organizations that pose threats to both countries."

Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding the Turkish military presence and future military cooperation with Syria's new administration. The Syrian government has expressed the possibility of receiving Turkey’s assistance, which could help deepen relations between the two countries.

Turkey’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler has stated that Turkey is ready to provide military assistance to Syria if needed, and the issue of Turkey’s military presence in Syria will be reconsidered based on future circumstances.