Ankara, Turkey — A notable change in tone Turkish Presidency Recep Tayyip Erdogan said to the former Syrian the foreign minister Farouk al Shara the fact that Turkey is in favor of lifting of international sanctions against Syria which is an indication of an effort to rekindle relations among Ankara in the form of a tone. Damascus.

The meeting, which was said as “constructive” by Turkish official as “constructive” — highlights the increasing interest of Turkey in stabilizing its relations with Syria following years of conflict that were triggered by the nation’s civil conflict.

From Isolation to Engagement

The call between President Erdogan and Sharaa is part of a larger movement of regional engagement towards the Assad administration. On the phone, Erdogan said that the ease of sanctions will aid in easing the human crisis and allow free return to Syrian refugees and, potentially help stabilize the northern region of Syria which is a region in which Turkey has a major security stake.

 “Sanctions do not solve the problems. The time is now to focus on reconciling and rebuilding,” a senior Turkish official stated on the the background.

 External Sources: Al Jazeera – Turkey signalizes a shift in Syria sanctions

A New Chapter for Syria-Turkey Relations?

The announcement doesn’t mean Turkey is completely prepared to resume formal diplomatic ties with the United States, however it does indicate a positive step toward this direction. Erdogan’s administration has historically backed Syrian opposition groups, but international realities as well as the pressure from refugees in Turkey might be prompting Ankara to rethink its position.

A possible break in the thaw could be a result of an overall arab-led effort to normalize relationships with Syria as well as a host of countries enthusing for Syria’s returning back to the Arab League. Turkey might be next on the list to signify this transition.

 External Sources: Reuters – Erdogan has a hand in Syria sanctions relief

What It Could Mean

For Syrians who are suffering, the ease of sanctions, long-discredited as a cause of economic distress escalatingmay provide an chance to see a ray of light in the economic downturn. In the case of Turkey the move could lessen tensions in the country about hosting over four millions of Syrian refugees and their families, particularly ahead of coming elections.