Ankara, January 8, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described the Syrian revolution as a “historic opportunity” for Türkiye and the region, pledging to realize the nation’s goal of becoming terror-free. The remarks were made during the Administrators’ Day program in Ankara on Tuesday.
“With the Syrian revolution, a historic window of opportunity has opened both for our country and our region. We will realize our ideal of a terror-free Türkiye,” Erdogan declared.
The President addressed the extensive devastation caused by Syria’s 13-year conflict, estimating the economic losses to exceed $500 billion. “Our teams visiting Syria report the situation is much worse,” he noted.
Erdogan also criticized calls for the immediate repatriation of Syrian refugees, emphasizing their contributions to Türkiye’s development. “We will continue to support our Syrian brothers and sisters who contribute to Türkiye’s economic, social, and cultural enrichment,” he stated. Türkiye currently hosts over three million Syrians, making it the largest host country for Syrian refugees globally.
Syria’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic shift following the December 8 fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces. President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia, marking the end of his family’s decades-long hold on power.
The takeover, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, unfolded in a rapid offensive that saw key cities captured in under two weeks. A new administration headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa has since taken charge, ushering in a new era for the war-torn nation.
Erdogan’s comments highlight Türkiye’s strategic role in shaping regional stability and its ongoing commitment to addressing the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the Syrian conflict.
