Volodymyr Zelensky Visits Damascus for Meeting with Syrian President

On April 5, 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky touched down in the Syrian capital of Damascus, utilizing a government aircraft from Turkey. This visit is considered a pivotal moment in Ukraine's international relations, occurring against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the increasing attention to the situation in the Middle East.

In a video published by Zelensky, he is seen disembarking from the plane, which bore the inscription 'Turkish Republic' in Turkish. This moment underscores the importance of the collaboration between Ukraine and Turkey, which has been actively supporting Kyiv in its struggle against Russian aggression.

Turkish publication Hurriyet reported that on the same day, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also arrived in Damascus. Although the report did not specify whether they traveled together with Zelensky, it noted that Fidan is set to participate in a trilateral meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and President Zelensky. This meeting became possible after Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on March 4.

The meeting between Zelensky and al-Sharaa has already taken place, and the Ukrainian president shared his impressions of the conversation. He stated that they discussed the situation in the Middle East as well as the war in Ukraine. 'We agreed to work together to provide more security and opportunities for the development of our societies. We talked about the situation in the region and the prospects for positive change. We also discussed the circumstances of the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine, and I am grateful for the support. There is a strong interest in exchanging military and security experiences,' Zelensky wrote in his statement.

Additionally, Zelensky noted that he discussed with Ahmad al-Sharaa the possibility of food supplies to Syria and the overall enhancement of food security in the region. This issue is particularly relevant in light of global challenges related to the food crisis, which has affected many countries, notably due to the war in Ukraine.

It is worth recalling that on April 4, Zelensky visited Istanbul, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This visit highlights Ukraine's active diplomatic efforts on the international stage and its desire to explore new avenues for cooperation with countries that can support Ukrainian interests amid the ongoing war.

Thus, Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Damascus opens new opportunities for collaboration between Ukraine and Syria and emphasizes the importance of regional stability and security in the face of global challenges.