President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a stern warning against efforts to provoke sectarian conflict in Syria, emphasizing that Turkiye welcomes the moderate stance of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has pledged to punish those who break the law, amid increasing violence in the region, reads a Daily Sabah.
"We have seen attempts by remnants of the former regime in Syria to instigate sectarian conflict," Erdogan stated during a news conference following a cabinet meeting in Ankara on Monday. He reiterated Turkiye's strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism, intimidation, and violence, while cautioning that although the situation is largely under control, the environment remains "sensitive."
"We welcome President al-Sharaa's moderate and calming messages, which are firm in ensuring that lawbreakers will be held accountable. I believe the Syrian people, with their wisdom, will not allow their country to descend into instability," Erdogan continued. He underscored the importance of unity for regional peace: "The stronger our solidarity, the more unshakable our fortress of brotherhood will be."
Erdogan also condemned those seeking to inflame sectarian tensions in Syria, stating, "Anyone who views Syria solely through the lens of sect, creed, or ethnicity is blinded by bigotry. We stood firm when one million Syrians were massacred by the Baath regime, and we remain just as resolute today." He added that no one can lecture Turkiye on morality in relation to Syria and criticized those who remained silent while Syrian children were killed for 14 years.
Turkiye is taking necessary precautions to prevent any developments that could harm its interests, Erdogan said, urging Syria to work swiftly to de-escalate the tense situation.
On the subject of Turkiye's relations with EU countries amid growing defense concerns, Erdogan emphasized Turkiye's crucial role in reshaping global dynamics. "We hope our European friends understand Turkiye's new role in the world," he remarked, noting that the EU is currently grappling with one of its most significant recent security challenges. He pointed out that the value of Turkiye’s balanced, consistent, and principled stance since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war is now more widely understood.
"We remind them once again that Turkiye is the last exit before the bridge," Erdogan warned. He expressed optimism that once mutual understanding is achieved, Turkiye’s relations with Europe will quickly flourish in all areas.
Erdogan also expressed Turkiye's desire to strengthen ties with the EU, with a focus on the goal of full membership. He remarked that the global system, which claims to be rule-based, is collapsing, adding, "Its founders are the ones delivering the strongest blows to the international order."
On Turkiye's counterterrorism efforts, Erdogan stressed that the nation is undertaking "delicate efforts" to eradicate terrorism, which has caused immense suffering for the Turkish people over the past 40 years. He emphasized that Turkiye's goal is to prepare itself as the regional and global balance shifts.
Erdogan also reflected on recent visits to Turkiye by various international dignitaries, including Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He highlighted the newly inaugurated Nakhchivan-Igdır Natural Gas Pipeline, which will meet all of Nakhchivan's natural gas needs for the next 30 years.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
