On 10 January, Prof. Luigi Narbone, spoke to Euronews about the central role Syria plays in Turkey’s regional ambitions. He explained that Syria’s strategic position, bridging the Gulf and the Mediterranean, offers Turkey an opportunity to realize its geoeconomic goals, including projects that could connect the Arabian Peninsula to Europe.

Prof. Narbone highlighted that Turkey’s economic challenges, including hyperinflation and public debt, make Gulf financial support indispensable for these ambitions. Investments from Qatar and other Gulf states are likely to drive regional integration, with railway projects serving as a potential foundation for broader economic cooperation.

He also underscored the importance of reactivating Syria’s administrative institutions to ensure reconstruction efforts foster stability. Drawing on lessons from previous conflicts, Prof. Narbone stressed that reconciliation and the preservation of key institutions will be essential to avoiding past mistakes and building a sustainable regional future.