The Turkish Directorate of Communications hosted a panel titled “Cooperation on the Path to Peace and Stability: Turkey-Syria Brotherhood” in Damascus, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries.
In a message sent to the panel, Communications Director Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Altun emphasized that the relationship between Turkey and Syria transcends mere geographical proximity. It is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and historical bonds that have fostered a brotherhood from heart to heart.
Altun noted that this enduring friendship and solidarity between the Turkish and Syrian peoples has persevered even during the reign of the Baath regime, which caused immense suffering, including hundreds of thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and severe human rights violations. “Thankfully, the Baath regime has come to an end, and the Syrian people have risen from the ashes. I sincerely hope they will now move toward a more prosperous, peaceful, and hopeful future,” he said.
Highlighting Turkey’s longstanding support for the oppressed, Altun praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s unwavering stance in standing by the Syrian people despite criticism. He pointed out that Turkey’s support during the Syrian civil war extended beyond humanitarian aid, providing sustainable access to health, education, and livelihoods for displaced Syrians.
Institutions such as AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent, TIKA, and various NGOs have continuously supported Syrians both within Turkey and across the border. Altun stressed that Turkey views alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and building a peaceful future in the region as a historical and humanitarian responsibility.
Stating that Turkey supports a Syria that freely determines its own future, Altun underscored ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation across all fields. “Following the reopening of our embassy in Damascus, we have also reactivated our consulate in Aleppo. Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Damascus, and we are committed to ensuring that the voice and sincere intentions of the new Syrian administration are heard both regionally and internationally,” he explained.
Altun added that important visits have taken place from Syria to Turkey and vice versa, with multifaceted cooperation advancing in sectors including trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education. “As President Erdoğan has repeatedly stated, Turkey will continue to stand by the Syrian people in the country’s reconstruction and recovery efforts and provide all necessary support,” he affirmed.
The Directorate of Communications also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation with Syria in media, communication, public diplomacy, and the fight against disinformation. Altun confirmed coordinated efforts with the Syrian Ministry of Information and expressed confidence that the panel would contribute positively to bilateral cooperation.
The event brought together numerous academics, journalists, NGOs, officials, and both local and international participants to discuss the future of cooperation in key areas such as media, communication, and combating disinformation. Concrete steps toward rebuilding social peace and increasing prosperity in Syria were also deliberated.
Following the panel, the Directorate of Communications presented a documentary titled “The Syrian Conflict: Turkey’s Peace Diplomacy,” shedding light on Turkey’s role and ongoing commitment to fostering peace in the region.
