Is Turkey's giant bank opening up to Syria?

After the overthrow of the 61-year Ba'ath regime in Syria, the country has entered a new restructuring phase in every aspect. With the end of the years-long civil war, new steps have begun to be taken for the recovery of war-torn Syria. Speaking about plans to establish a joint bank in Syria, Ziraat Bankası General Manager Alpaslan Çakar announced that they would fulfill their responsibilities when suitable conditions arise.

Responding to questions from Reuters, Çakar stated, "We believe that the change in Syria is of great importance for our country, and we are closely monitoring the developments. If the conditions become suitable, our bank will fulfill its responsibilities in this matter, just as it has in its previous experiences," he said.

PLANS WERE MADE IN 2010

Before the war, in 2010, Ziraat Bankası had plans to establish a bank in Syria with a local partner, but this project was put on hold due to the outbreak of war.

However, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, discussions are ongoing between the newly appointed administration, which has been in office for three weeks, and Turkey in many areas such as energy and construction, for the reconstruction and development of the country.