ISTANBUL
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday met with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Damascus.
The two agreed to collaborate to provide "greater" security and more opportunities for development in Ukrainian and Syrian societies, Zelenskyy wrote on US social media company X.
Zelenskyy said he discussed the situation in the region with al-Sharaa, as well as the circumstances of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“There is a strong interest in exchanging military and security experience. I appreciate the words of respect for our people,” he said, adding that he is “grateful” for the support.
He added that they discussed Ukraine's role as a reliable food supplier and joint opportunities to strengthen regional food security.
“We understand very well the energy and infrastructure challenges Syria is currently facing. We are ready to work together to expand opportunities for both our countries and their people,” he concluded.
The Syrian news agency SANA said talks between al-Sharaa and Zelenskyy dwelt on ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation.
The two leaders stressed the importance of “securing food supply routes to support stability amid ongoing international tensions,” SANA said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended the discussions, the same source said.
Last September, Syria and Ukraine signed a joint statement on restoring their diplomatic relations during a meeting between al-Sharaa and Zelenskyy in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.