Syria and Turkey Sign Defense Agreement to Enhance Military Capabilities and Security Cooperation

The defense ministries of Syria and Turkey have signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at developing the capabilities of the Syrian army, reforming the security sector, and enhancing military coordination between the two countries.

The Syrian news agency "SANA" reported that the signing ceremony took place in Ankara, in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, and Head of Intelligence Hussein Salama, along with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler.

The agreement includes the regular exchange of military personnel to participate in specialized training courses, training programs in areas such as counter-terrorism, mine clearance, cyber defense, military engineering, logistics, and peacekeeping operations, in addition to providing technical support and experts to modernize military systems and structures.

This agreement comes as part of a plan to rehabilitate the Syrian army according to international standards and reduce the risks of violations by untrained factions.

The Syrian delegation arrived in Ankara earlier today to hold talks with Turkish officials, where both sides also discussed ways to enhance political cooperation, prospects for economic partnership, and security coordination to control borders and combat terrorism.