President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the urgency of rebuilding Syria during a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday, underlining Türkiye’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Push for Sanctions Relief on Syria
The call covered a range of bilateral and global issues, with Erdoğan suggesting Italy could lead efforts to lift sanctions on Syria. According to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdoğan believes easing sanctions would expedite Syria’s reconstruction and recovery process.
Bilateral Trade and Cooperation
Erdoğan highlighted the strong economic ties between Türkiye and Italy, noting that their bilateral trade volume reached $32 billion in 2024. However, he expressed optimism about further growth, particularly in sectors such as the defense industry and energy.
Türkiye’s Broader Diplomatic Goals
The conversation also reflected Türkiye’s broader diplomatic ambitions. Erdoğan’s remarks reinforced Türkiye’s active role in Middle Eastern stability, particularly in post-Assad Syria, as part of its growing influence in global affairs.
The dialogue between Erdoğan and Meloni signals a deepening partnership between Türkiye and Italy, as both nations explore opportunities for collaboration on critical regional and international issues.