Turkey's Ministry of Trade announced on Friday that Turkey and Syria have agreed to open negotiations on reviving the free trade agreement between the two countries, which has been suspended since 2011. The announcement is a further step in the gradual improvement of bilateral relations following the major political changes Syria saw in December 2024.
Moves to strengthen economic cooperation
In a statement from the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the ministry explained that Turkish officials had held meetings with their Syrian counterparts to discuss ways of strengthening economic, commercial and customs relations between the two countries. The statement emphasised that these talks aim to identify the practical steps needed to bring the agreement back into force in a way that serves both sides.
Political developments clearing the way
Turkish–Syrian relations have shifted noticeably in recent months following the fall of the former Syrian government on 8 December 2024. These political changes have given the two countries an opening to move past years of estrangement and return to dialogue — an important impetus for reactivating economic cooperation between them.
Why the agreement matters
The Turkey–Syria free trade agreement, signed in 2004, is one of the most significant milestones in economic cooperation between the two countries. It lowered customs barriers and markedly increased the volume of trade before it was suspended because of the Syrian crisis in 2011. Reviving it would create new opportunities for companies and investors in both countries and strengthen regional economic integration.
Possible benefits
Bringing the agreement back into force is expected to deliver considerable economic gains for both Turkey and Syria. Given the economic pressures both face, stronger trade and joint investment could support growth and create new jobs. It would also help reinforce regional stability and strengthen the cultural and social ties between the two peoples.
In closing
The agreement to reopen negotiations on the Turkey–Syria free trade agreement is a promising step towards improving bilateral relations across the board. If those negotiations succeed, they could open a new phase of productive cooperation between the two countries, contributing to development and prosperity for both.