After Assad’s ouster earlier this month, Ankara is keener than ever to exploit energy resources under the Mediterranean Sea.

Fidan’s visit is part of Ankara’s efforts to increase its influence over the future of Syria and the HTS leadership, and to eliminate the Washington-backed Kurdish forces.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani - in Damascus on Sunday, Turkey's foreign ministry said, without providing further details.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized Russia's openness to dialogue with Syria's new administration, while expressed understanding of Turkey's security concerns along its border.

A Turkish television news report Tuesday claimed that Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan will travel to Damascus Friday and offer prayer at that city’s ancient Great Mosque. His transportation minister on Tuesday announced plans to rebuild and integrate Syrian infrastructure into Turkish transportation systems.

Turkey’s foreign minister traveled to Damascus Sunday to meet with Syria’s new de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa, the head of the Islamist group HTS that toppled the Assad regime. According to press accounts,

In a surprising turn of events, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets with Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in Damascus. The two leaders were seen walking, driving, and even sharing hot beverages at a local cafe,

Assad, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in Damascus on Sunday after meeting the country's new leaders.

The Turkish intelligence chief reportedly plans to hold talks with rebel leaders as US Secretary Antony Blinken is due to arrive in Ankara for crucial discussions on Syria.

Turkey will restore parts of the historic Hejaz Railway in Syria, reconnecting Turkish rail lines to Damascus, Turkish Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said on Tuesday during a meeting with journalists. The comments by the Turkish official come as Ankara works on helping rebuild its southern neighbour after 13 years of civil war.

President-elect Trump described the fall of the Assad regime in Syria as an "unfriendly takeover" by neighboring Turkey as sources tell Fox News Digital the U.S.-brokered cease-fire has collapsed.