The key facts

  • Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Antalya for COP31; details of his program have not been disclosed
  • The two-day summit of heads of state is taking place on 11–12 November; Erdogan and Guterres will deliver speeches
  • COP31 is the first UN climate conference hosted by Türkiye; the negotiations are chaired by Australia

Arrival in Antalya

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived on Wednesday in Antalya, a southern province of Türkiye, to take part in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). The Syrian leader's arrival was confirmed by the official SANA agency, however the agency provided no details about his schedule, Anadolu reports.

Format and agenda of the summit

Al-Sharaa's visit coincided with the two-day summit of heads of state and government, taking place on 11–12 November. The program includes speeches and bilateral meetings; the opening session will be addressed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Context of the conference

COP31 opened on Monday and will run until 20 November. This is the first time Türkiye is hosting a UN climate conference, while the negotiations are chaired by Australia. According to the UN, the agenda focuses on climate finance, adaptation to climate change, and the transition to clean energy.