Erdoğan Calls for Unity and Lasting Peace in Syria, Pledges Support for Reconstruction
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called for stability, reconciliation, and national unity in Syria, urging all stakeholders to prioritize lasting peace and avoid actions that could undermine progress toward a comprehensive settlement.
Speaking at a Justice and Development (AK) Party parliamentary group meeting in Ankara, President Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye’s foremost wish is for Syria to achieve stability and peace.
“Our greatest wish for Syria is to achieve stability and peace; we want Syrians to build their future together in unity,” he said.
Roadmap for Lasting Peace
Erdoğan noted that the contours of a long-term political settlement in Syria are becoming clearer and cautioned parties against repeating past mistakes.
“The roadmap for lasting peace in Syria has been set; parties must avoid miscalculations, repeating past mistakes, or poisoning the process with maximalist demands,” he stated.
Highlighting the devastating human toll of the conflict, he added that every life lost—regardless of ethnicity or sect—deeply affects Türkiye.
“Every drop of blood shed breaks our hearts, whether it is Arab, Turkmen, Kurd, or Nusayri; every life lost in Syria feels like losing a part of ourselves,” Erdoğan remarked.
Focus on Reconstruction and Economic Recovery
The Turkish president called for a transition from conflict to reconstruction and economic revival, stressing that Syria’s natural and economic resources must serve the prosperity of its entire population.
“It is time for Syria’s resources and above- and below-ground wealth to be used for the prosperity of all sectors of society, not for digging tunnels under cities,” he said.
Rejecting claims that Türkiye seeks regional dominance, Erdoğan underlined that Ankara’s objective is not influence but fellowship and cooperation.
“Türkiye is not seeking influence in the region and has no desire to shape other countries; on the contrary, we sincerely seek fellowship,” he added.
He welcomed what he described as shared sensitivities with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan regarding Syria’s future and affirmed that Türkiye would work in coordination with these countries to support stability.
Support for Political Framework
Reaffirming Ankara’s long-standing stance, Erdoğan stressed that violence only perpetuates further violence and warned against actions that could derail emerging progress.
He underscored the importance of implementing the January 18 and January 30 agreements under the principle of “one army, one state, one Syria,” saying the framework for permanent peace has become clearer.
The president also acknowledged what he described as sincere efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to rebuild the country, expressing confidence that the Syrian government would ensure broad political participation and swiftly implement an effective development plan.
Türkiye, which shares its longest land border with Syria, will continue closely monitoring developments, he added.
Humanitarian Assistance
Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s humanitarian commitment to the Syrian people, stating that support would continue “until smiles return to the faces of children from Aleppo to Damascus, Raqqa, Hasakah, Qamishli, Daraa, and Kobani.”
He revealed that during recent operations, he directed the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and other humanitarian organizations to rapidly mobilize aid, dispatching truckloads of supplies in coordination with Syrian authorities, including to Kurdish-populated areas.
Intensified Regional Diplomacy
The Turkish leader also highlighted Türkiye’s active diplomatic engagements. He noted productive talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah during his recent visit to Ankara and expressed hope to visit Jordan soon.
Erdoğan announced that he was set to host Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis later Wednesday and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday. He also plans to visit the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia early next week.
“As Türkiye, what we want for ourselves — peace, security, stability, development and prosperity — we want the same for our friends, neighbors, and brotherly countries,” Erdoğan said, adding that Ankara engages with all actors “without any complexes” and in a spirit of fellowship.
The remarks underscore Türkiye’s continued push for regional peace, political reconciliation, and reconstruction in Syria amid renewed diplomatic momentum.
