The Turkish president praises his Syria counterpart over his strong commitment to combating terrorism

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that there is a consensus between Ankara and the Syrian administration on all issues.

This came in a joint press conference, Tuesday, with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al Sharaa, at the presidential complex in the capital, Ankara, as Erdogan expressed his happiness to receive al Sharaa.

He pointed out that the Syrian people have witnessed all kinds of injustice over 13.5 years, and have been subjected to all kinds of brutal massacres, including chemical weapons.

He added, “About one million of our Syrian brothers were martyred as a result of attacks by the former regime and terrorist organizations, and millions were forced to leave their homes and lands”.

He continued, “But despite all of this, the brave sons of Syria did not give up the struggle against the unjust regime and its supporters, to achieve victory in the end and for Syria to become for its people on December 8”.

He congratulated Sharaa and all the Syrian people on their struggle and victory, asking God to have mercy on all the Syrian martyrs who were killed during their struggle for freedom.

He stated that after 13 years of blood and tears, a new page has been opened, not only in Syria but in the entire region.

He added that the Syrian people now have the will to determine their future.

Erdogan added, “Just as we didn’t leave our Syrian brothers alone in difficult days, we will provide them with the necessary support in the new phase as well”.

Erdogan described Sharaa’s visit to Türkiye as historic and the beginning of a new era of permanent friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He explained that Turkish institutions have been making great efforts for about two months to develop relations with Syria to the level of strategic relations again.

He pointed out that he received the Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani on January 15, expressing his confidence in the increase in visits and contacts between the two countries in the coming period.

He pointed out that the basis of Turkish policy towards neighboring Syria has always been to preserve the territorial integrity and unity of this country, noting that his meeting with al Sharaa took place in a friendly atmosphere based on this principle.

He added, “I discussed with my dear brother al Sharaa, the joint steps that can be taken to establish security and economic stability in Syria”.

He expressed his gratitude for the complete consensus with the new Syrian administration on almost all issues.

He pointed out that he discussed with al Sharaa the steps that must be taken against the separatist terrorist organization that occupies northeastern Syria.

Erdogan explained that he informed his Syria counterpart of Ankara’s readiness to provide the necessary support to Syria in combating all forms of terrorism, whether ISIS or the PKK.

He also expressed Türkiye’s readiness to cooperate with Syria regarding controlling the camps (where ISIS detainees are held) located in northeastern Syria.

He expressed his satisfaction with the firm will of the Syrian leadership to combat terrorism, adding, “We’ve no choice but to unite forces in line with the unified goal of ensuring the safety and security of our two countries and our region”.

He continued, “Through joint action with Syria, I am confident that we will make our common geography free of terrorism and filled with an atmosphere of peace and prosperity”.

Erdogan pointed out that he discussed political developments with al Sharaa, stressing that Türkiye attaches great importance at this critical stage to forming a Syrian administration with a comprehensive approach that embraces everyone and reflects the will of all Syrians.

He stressed Türkiye’s readiness to support the reconstruction of destroyed cities and infrastructure in Syria, expressing his confidence that the voluntary return of Syrian refugees will gain momentum with the rapid economic development in the country.

He pointed out, on the other hand, that a series of international economic sanctions imposed on Syria constitute an obstacle to the recovery of the economy and infrastructure.

He continued, “Thanks to the efforts we made, some of the sanctions imposed on the ousted Assad regime were lifted, and we will continue our efforts until all sanctions are lifted”.

He explained that Türkiye has proven its support for the Syrian people since the first day without hesitation.

He pointed out that Türkiye opened its embassy in Damascus and then the consulate general in Aleppo, after the new administration took over power, and Turkish Airlines resumed its flights to Damascus.

On the diplomatic level, Erdogan stressed that they had done their utmost during the first two months of the new Syrian administration taking power, in order to convey its voice and sincere intentions on the regional and international levels.

He pointed to the recent exchange of visits between Türkiye and Syria at several levels, noting that these visits will continue.

He pointed out that they are working to develop relations with Syria in a multi-dimensional manner in all fields, starting from trade and energy, all the way to civil aviation, health and education.

He continued, “We’ve no doubt that our Syrian brothers, who inspired the region and are oppressed by their insistence on resistance, will be able to revive their country again”.

Erdogan added, “If God prolongs our lives, we will all witness in the future with pride what the Syrian people will succeed in achieving”.

He pointed out the importance of the Arab and Islamic world providing the necessary material and moral support to the new administration and the Syrian people at this stage.

“We welcome mutual visits between the two countries and find them of great value,” he said.