Turkey has announced plans to assist with the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and contribute to rebuilding Syria after President Bashar Al Assad was ousted by rebel forces, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Monday.
This marks a historic shift for the Middle East. Rebels recently seized control of Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia after 13 years of civil war and over five decades of his family’s authoritarian rule.
Despite backing Syrian opposition forces for years, Turkey clarified on Sunday that it had no role in the offensive leading to Assad’s removal. It emphasized the need for an inclusive Syrian administration and called for Syrians to shape their own future.
Speaking at the Turkish Ambassadors’ Conference in Ankara, Fidan expressed Turkey’s readiness to assist with Syria’s reconstruction efforts, collaborating with all regional stakeholders.
“We envision a Syria where various ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully under an inclusive governance model. We want a stable Syria that fosters peace and maintains strong ties with its neighbors,” Fidan said. “Our focus will remain on ensuring the safe and voluntary return of Syrians and contributing to the country’s rebuilding process.”
Fidan also stressed that Turkey would support Syrians during this “new phase” in Damascus but warned that groups such as Daesh and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara classifies as terrorist organizations, must not exploit the situation.
As the largest host of Syrian migrants, Turkey currently shelters approximately three million refugees. Additionally, it controls regions in northern Syria following military operations against the Kurdish YPG militia, which Turkey views as an extension of the PKK.
In light of these developments, Turkish construction and cement companies experienced a surge in shares on Monday, with investors anticipating their involvement in Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
