Antalya (TDI): Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Turkey to take part in the Fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, taking place in Turkiye from April 11-13, 2025.
His arrival marks Syria’s first official participation at the state level since the forum’s inception in 2021.
Previously, the country’s presence was limited to delegations of the opposition, with figures such as Badr Jamous (Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission), Hadi al-Bahra (Head of the Syrian National Coalition), and Abdul Rahman Mustafa (Head of the Syrian Interim Government) representing various groups during the forum’s third edition.
President al-Sharaa’s visit marks his second trip to Turkey since assuming office, following an official visit to Ankara on February 4, Syria’s first high-level engagement with Turkey in over a decade.
Read More: Syria’s President to Visit UAE, Turkiye to Strengthen Ties
In addition to his participation in this forum, the Syrian President is also expected to visit the United Arab Emirates to continue diplomatic outreach and strengthen international support for the transitional administration.
As reported earlier by Reuters, these efforts include advocating for the easing of sanctions imposed on Syria.
The visit comes amid evolving regional dynamics, including ongoing discussions between Turkish and Israeli officials.
Last Wednesday, senior representatives from both countries met in Azerbaijan to discuss establishing a mechanism for de-escalation in Syria.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, continued dialogue is anticipated, with a focus on regional stability and cooperative conflict resolution.
Read More: Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025
Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and held under the patronage of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum runs from April 11-13 and is recognized as a significant multilateral platform for global diplomatic dialogue.
President al-Sharaa is attending the forum under the theme of this year’s session, “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” which gathers leaders and officials from around the globe to explore avenues for peace, cooperation, and sustainable solutions to pressing international issues.
The forum is hosting over twenty heads of state and government, more than seventy ministers, including over fifty foreign ministers, approximately 450 representatives from 140 countries, around sixty high-level representatives of international organizations, and over 4,000 guests, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
