Syria and Türkiye discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector during talks in Latakia on Monday between senior naval officials from the two countries, according to a statement issued by Syria’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

According to a statement posted on the Telegram channel, Brigadier General Mohammad al-Saud, Commander of the Naval Forces at Syria’s Ministry of Defense, received Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, and the accompanying delegation in the presence of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yılmaz.

The two sides reviewed ways to enhance cooperation in maritime affairs, improve joint coordination and expand the exchange of expertise in support of the shared interests of both countries, the statement added, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

The talks come as Syria and Türkiye continue to deepen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors following the restoration of diplomatic ties, with defense and security coordination forming part of broader efforts to strengthen relations between the two neighboring countries.

In a post on X, Ambassador Yılmaz said the Turkish military delegation, led by Admiral Tatlıoğlu, visited the Port of Latakia, where Turkish naval vessels were docked, at the invitation of Brig. Gen. Mohammad al-Saud.

“Cooperation and solidarity between Türkiye and Syria are also developing in the naval field,” Yılmaz wrote, expressing satisfaction with the progress in bilateral ties.

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense said earlier that vessels belonging to the Turkish Naval Forces Command had made a port visit to Latakia on Monday as part of the delegation’s visit. (Sources & Photo © Syrian Foreign Ministry/SANA