Ukrainian-Syrian talks focus on security, defense, economic cooperation

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, held talks with Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Syria's interim government, in the capital Damascus. The meeting was part of Zelensky's tour of several Middle Eastern countries and covered security, defense, and economic cooperation.

In a post on Telegram, Zelensky stated that both sides agreed to work together to enhance security and create development opportunities, noting a mutual interest in exchanging military and security expertise.

He later explained that the visit included extensive discussions with the head of Syria's interim government, as well as a trilateral meeting involving Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Zelensky added that the talks addressed security and defense issues, regional developments amid escalation involving Iran, as well as opportunities for cooperation in energy and infrastructure between the two countries.

Syria's state news agency SANA broadcast footage of Zelensky and Fidan arriving at Damascus International Airport, where they were received by Asaad al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister of the interim government.

The visit comes as Zelensky seeks to expand his country's engagements in the Middle East. Ukraine has expressed readiness to share its expertise in countering drones and missiles, drawing on its experience in the ongoing war with Russia. The Ukrainian president also affirmed his country's desire to strengthen its role as a major grain supplier and contribute to regional food security.

In a related context, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the visit as an "important step," noting that his discussions with his Syrian and Turkish counterparts covered security, maritime trade, and other issues.

During his visit to Turkey, Zelensky had announced that he and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed on new steps in security cooperation, as well as discussing joint gas infrastructure projects.

This is the first visit by a Ukrainian president to Syria since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations last September, following political changes in Damascus. The visit is also part of broader moves by Kyiv, which has signed military cooperation agreements with several Gulf states, with a similar agreement with the United Arab Emirates reportedly nearing completion.

According to observers, the visit carries political and economic dimensions beyond its protocol nature, fitting into broader attempts by both sides to reposition themselves amid international shifts. Kyiv's outreach to Damascus is seen as part of its effort to expand its presence beyond Europe into regions traditionally considered within Russia's sphere of influence.

On the other hand, observers note that Damascus is seeking through this engagement to diversify its international relations and reduce reliance on traditional partners, given economic and security challenges and the need to develop its defense and technological capabilities.

The visit also gains added significance amid rising regional tensions, which could expand cooperation in areas such as food security, energy, and military expertise exchange—particularly concerning drone operations.

Analysts suggest that these moves could open the door to gradual cooperation between the two countries, but outcomes will remain tied to complex regional balances and the ability of both sides to translate understandings into practical steps on the ground.

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ANHA