Türkiye to continue to support Syrians who contribute to its economic, social, cultural enrichment, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday called the Syrian revolution a “historic opportunity” for Türkiye and the region, pledging to achieve the country's goal of becoming terror-free.
Speaking at the Administrators' Day program in Ankara, Erdogan said: “With the Syrian revolution, a historic window of opportunity has opened both for our country and our region. We will realize our ideal of a terror-free Türkiye.”
Erdogan emphasized that the events taking place in Syria, with which Türkiye shares a 910 km-long (565 miles) border, are of particular concern.
“The images of brutality reflected from Sednaya Prison have shown us what kind of inhuman mentality has prevailed in Syria for years," he said, adding that new "horrifying" reports surface every day.
Aside from human losses, Erdogan highlighted the extensive damage caused by Syria's 13-year conflict, estimating losses exceeding $500 billion. “Our teams visiting Syria report the situation is much worse,” he added.
Pointing out that the reconstruction of Syria requires a comprehensive rehabilitation, the president said long-term strategies are critical for this process.
Syria needs time to recover, as well as the support of the Arab and Islamic world, he added.
- 'Peaceful return of Syrians is humanitarian duty'
He said Turkish people have embraced Syrians with compassion and mercy for years, and “we will act with the same sensitivity in the next process.” The country hosts more than 3 million Syrians who fled the civil war in 2011.
Erdogan said a peaceful return of Syrians to their homes is both a humanitarian duty and a strategic priority for regional stability.
He said Türkiye will provide all kinds of assistance to Syrians who want to return to their homeland voluntarily, asserting that authorities will not send anyone back by force.
Criticizing the people who ask Syrian refugees to leave Türkiye swiftly, Erdogan said: “We will continue to support our Syrian brothers and sisters who contribute to Türkiye's economic, social, and cultural enrichment.”
He said relations with Syria will be maintained within the framework of the principle of mutual respect and Türkiye will fulfill all of its responsibilities in ensuring Syria's territorial integrity and political unity.
Bashar al-Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending his family's decades-long rule.
The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.
A new administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa has now taken charge in the country.
