“President Erdoğan Delivers Strong Message After Meeting with Ahmed Shara: ‘There Is No Place for Terror in Syria'”
Following his meeting with the President of Syria’s Transitional Period, Ahmed Shara, in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, “A new page has been opened in Syria. We have always been in favor of Syria’s territorial integrity. There is no place for terror in Syria.”
The two leaders appeared before cameras after their meeting and held a press conference.
Notable Terrorism Message
During the press conference, President Erdoğan highlighted that there is no place for terrorist organizations in Syria. He stated, “We discussed the steps to be taken against the separatist terrorist organizations occupying northeastern Syria and their affiliates. I expressed to Mr. Shara that we are ready to provide Syria with the necessary support in the fight against all forms of terrorism, including ISIS and PKK. We also reaffirmed our support in terms of controlling the camps in northeastern Syria. For the peace and safety of our countries and the region, we have no choice but to unite our efforts in the same direction.”
“We Are in Agreement”
President Erdoğan further emphasized, “I see this historic visit as the beginning of a period of permanent friendship and cooperation between our countries. For the past two months, all our institutions have been working intensely to bring our relations back to a strategic level. I believe that mutual visits will increase in the upcoming period. The meeting with Mr. Shara was conducted in a sincere atmosphere. We discussed security and economic measures to be taken together and found ourselves in agreement.”
“Sanctions on Syria Should Be Lifted”
Erdoğan also commented on Syria’s economic recovery, stating, “As Syria’s economic development accelerates, voluntary returns will also gain momentum.” He continued, “On the other hand, a series of international sanctions imposed on Syria hinder the country’s recovery in terms of its economy and infrastructure. Thanks to our efforts, there has been some flexibility regarding the sanctions targeting the deposed regime. However, we will continue our efforts until we achieve a full resolution. From the very beginning, we have shown with concrete steps that we stand by the Syrian people.”
“Multidimensional Cooperation with Syria”
“From trade to civil aviation, from energy to health and education, we are advancing our relations with Syria in a multidimensional manner. By acting in solidarity, I believe we will establish a climate of peace and security free of terrorism in our shared geography,” Erdoğan concluded.
Erdoğan also noted the opening of Turkey’s embassy in Damascus and consulate in Aleppo, as well as Turkish Airlines resuming flights to Damascus.
Ahmed Shara’s Comments on Israel and Invitation to Erdoğan
Following Erdoğan’s remarks, Syrian President Ahmed Shara expressed, “We aim to transform our relationship with Turkey into a deep strategic partnership.” Shara also made a significant statement regarding Israel, saying, “There must be international pressure on Israel. The borders must return to the 1967 lines.”
Shara also extended an invitation to President Erdoğan, saying, “The Turkish and Syrian peoples’ blood united during Turkey’s War of Independence. The Syrian people will never forget Turkey’s stance. We share the same sensitivities in northeastern Syria. We are aligned with Turkey on regional security matters. We want to host President Erdoğan in Syria, and I hope we can welcome him as soon as possible. We also want to develop our commercial relations with Turkey.”
