Türkiye, EU Agree on Preserving Syria’s Integrity, Establishing Inclusive Government

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Tuesday that Türkiye and the EU share a common stance on the importance of preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with an emphasis on establishing an inclusive government in the post-Assad era.

“We agree on maintaining Syria's sovereignty, and territorial integrity, particularly on establishing inclusive governance,” Erdogan told a joint news conference alongside Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, who is visiting the capital Ankara, The Caspian Post reports, citing Turkish media.

The meeting addressed the latest developments in Syria “in detail,” Erdogan said, adding that the “oppression, pressure, and darkness” of the 61-year-old Baath regime left Syria “literally, a great wreckage.”

“We are faced with a Syria where one million people have been killed, half of the population has been displaced, and the country is exhausted after 13 years of conflict. It is impossible for the Syrian people to bear this heavy burden alone,” Erdogan said, urging neighboring countries, the EU, and international organizations to support strongly Syria’s recovery process.

“During the 13 years of massacre, the international community unfortunately did not, and could not, provide sufficient support to the Syrian people,” he added.

Erdogan said this situation can be rectified by supporting Syria's reconstruction and rebuilding efforts.

Mentioning how Türkiye last weekend reopened its embassy in Syria, Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s support to Syrians.

“In this process, the country needs to be removed from being a haven for terrorism,” he stated.