In a recent address, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria during a period of escalating violence. This comes as high-level delegations from Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq prepare to meet in Amman to discuss security cooperation and regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- Erdogan emphasizes Turkey’s ongoing support for Syria’s stability and territorial integrity.
- Recent violence in Syria has resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths, primarily among the Alawite community.
- Turkey is set to engage in security talks with neighboring countries to combat the resurgence of the Islamic State.
Erdogan’s Commitment to Syria
During a cabinet meeting, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s dedication to providing "every kind of support" to Syria, particularly in light of the recent surge in violence. He condemned the attacks that have targeted civilians and reiterated Turkey’s role in helping Syria maintain its unity and social peace.
Erdogan stated, "We will continue to provide every kind of support possible for our neighbor Syria to recover and preserve its territorial integrity… and to achieve peace with all its ethnic and sectarian minorities."
Recent Violence in Syria
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the recent violence has led to the deaths of 1,068 civilians since Thursday, with the majority being Alawites. This wave of violence marks the worst since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The clashes have primarily occurred in the northwestern coastal region, which is home to the Alawite minority.
Erdogan welcomed the commitment from Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to hold accountable those responsible for the violence, stating that Turkey is taking necessary measures to prevent any adverse developments from affecting its own security.
Upcoming Security Talks in Amman
In response to the growing instability, delegations from Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq are scheduled to meet in Amman. The discussions will focus on security cooperation and strategies to combat terrorism, particularly the threat posed by the Islamic State. This meeting is seen as a crucial step in addressing regional security concerns and fostering collaboration among neighboring countries.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, emphasized the importance of joint efforts to combat the resurgence of the Islamic State, which has raised alarms among Western and regional nations following the recent political changes in Syria.
Conclusion
As violence continues to plague Syria, Erdogan’s pledge of support highlights Turkey’s strategic interest in stabilizing the region. The upcoming talks in Amman may pave the way for enhanced cooperation among Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, aiming to restore peace and security in a region long affected by conflict. The international community will be watching closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to Syria and its neighbors.
Sources
- Turkey, Jordan, Syria and Iraq delegations to meet in Amman for security talks on Syria, France 24.
- Turkey backs Sharaa’s stability efforts, Erdogan says amid Syrian violence, Reuters.
- Turkey’s Erdogan vows to keep providing Syria with ‘every kind of support’, Al Arabiya English.
- Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Iraq to discuss security cooperation in Amman, Turkish source says, Reuters.
