FOCUS Syria Looks To Old Foe Turkey As Economy Grows - WSJ.com

Syria is boosting relations with its former enemy Turkey to build on a decade of reform initiatives that have transformed the Arab state's economy.

After years of mistrust, overshadowed by the legacy of Ottoman rule and Turkey's military ties with Israel and Syria's support for the Kurdish PKK rebels, the two neighbors now seek an economic and political alliance.

Last year, the former foes agreed on lifting mutual visa requirements, boosting cross-border trade. Several joint initiatives in agriculture and tourism have been announced. Earlier this month, Turkey and Syria signed a free trade zone agreement with Jordan and Lebanon.