Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his country and Lebanon would work together on Syria after the overthrow of former Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
Speaking at a news conference alongside Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, Erdogan said that a new era has now begun in Syria, adding, “We agree that we must act together as two important neighbours of Syria.”
Erdogan asserted that the stability of Syria means the stability of the region, adding that reconstruction of Syria on their borders would be their priority, as the Syrian interim leadership look to rebuild infrastructure after 14 years of conflict and crippling sanctions.
“We expect all actors who are aware of the fact that Syria’s stability means stability in the region to contribute to this process and sincerely hope they do.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He continued by saying that he believes the Syrian people will successfully overcome the process and that both Türkiye and Lebanon aim to revive Syria.
Erdogan said yesterday that he expected the EU to support the return home of Syrians who left the country during the civil war.
Millions of Syrians fled to Turkey to seek refuge, with the majority living in Istanbul, Gaziantep or Sanliurfa. Lebanon is also home to a large number of Syrian refugees.
To rebuild Syria, Erdogan told journalists earlier, “This is a critical period in which we need to act with unity, solidarity and mutual reconciliation.”
Mikati Highlights Ties Between Lebanon And Turkey
On his part, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s support as his country continues to endure Israeli attacks.
Mikati highlighted the deep and long-standing ties between the two nations, particularly in the humanitarian and political realms.
Speaking at the joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the capital Ankara, Mikati acknowledged that the economy, society, and environment in Lebanon have suffered due to the Israeli attacks, which have continued despite a cease-fire last month following more than a year of cross-border attacks.
He emphasized the solidarity Turkey and other Arab nations showed Beirut, adding that this has been of immense importance to Lebanon throughout the current challenging period.
“The solidarity you have shown, especially in these difficult times, means a great deal to us. Turkey has always closely followed developments in Lebanon and its support is something we deeply value.”
Najib Mikati
He also touched on the broader regional context, pointing to the political transformations occurring in the Middle East, including in Syria, which neighbors both Lebanon and Turkey.
Mikati stressed the need for international pressure on Israel to halt its actions as it continues to violate the cease-fire terms.
He reaffirmed that as Lebanon endeavors through the ongoing crisis, it remains committed to supporting Syria’s sovereignty, freedom, and territorial integrity. Mikati emphasized the importance of good relations between Lebanon, Turkey and Syria.
Additionally, he expressed confidence that, through continued cooperation, Lebanon and Turkey will strengthen their bond and work toward a future of peace and mutual respect.
The Lebanese Prime Minister also thanked Turkey for being a steadfast ally, especially through times of crisis, underlining that Beirut has learned to rely on its friends, particularly Ankara. “Lebanon has been through a severe crisis, but we have learned that our trust in God, and in our friends, especially Turkey, has been our strength,” Mikati said.
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