Türkiye's position was 'resolute, honorable and supportive' throughout Syrian civil war: Interim health minister

DAMASCUS

Syria’s interim health minister praised Türkiye's position throughout the country’s civil war, describing it as "resolute, honorable and supportive of the Syrian people."

Speaking about future relations with Türkiye, Maher al-Sharaa said "it will be a friendly relationship based on mutual interests. We will work as two states, but it will feel like a family bond built on emotional ties.”

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu following a conference in the capital Damascus, Sharaa discussed the health sector's condition after 13 brutal years of war waged by the Bashar Assad regime and its allies against the Syrian people.

He also addressed ongoing projects and the prospects for relations with Türkiye.

Sharaa noted that Syria's health sector had been completely destroyed during the conflict.

Since taking office just two weeks prior, he has conducted assessments to identify needs and prepared plans accordingly.

Outlining plans for rebuilding the sector after the collapse of the Assad regime on Dec. 8, Sharaa said: "We have developed action plans for the short, medium and long term: three months, six months, nine months, one year, two years and four years."

He added that they have already begun taking serious steps to implement these plans.

Regarding Syrian doctors who had fled the country, he said “the Syrian people have endured great suffering and hardship. Doctors, like the rest of our citizens, faced severe challenges -- some lost their lives, others were forcibly displaced, imprisoned, or remained in Syria under harsh conditions.”

"Fortunately, many of the doctors who emigrated are highly skilled and experienced. Remarkably, even before we reached out to them, they expressed enthusiasm to return.
"We are making arrangements to facilitate their return so they can provide top-level health care services. Some are even qualified to teach medicine,” he said.

"Once Syria is fully liberated, we will proudly and joyfully welcome them back and ensure they are received with the utmost respect."

Economic sanctions must end

Sharaa also called for the lifting of international sanctions imposed on Syria during the Assad regime, particularly by the US.

He described the sanctions as outdated and unnecessary.

"Economic sanctions were originally imposed due to the Assad regime's practices in its prisons. Now, neither those prisons nor the regime itself exist.

"The continuation of these sanctions has become absurd. I believe it is only a matter of time before they are lifted. With political changes underway, including a new era in the US, I am confident these sanctions will soon come to an end," he said.

Sharaa also rejected the notion that Syria was experiencing post-traumatic stress from the war.

"Our trauma was caused by the regime; now that it is gone, we are celebrating and moving forward. We are happy about our progress and will continue to succeed, God willing."

Türkiye extended helping hand in difficult times

Addressing relations with Türkiye, Sharaa emphasized Ankara's vital support during the Syrian conflict:

"The Turkish people are truly close to us. They extended a helping hand during our most difficult times, opening their homes and borders to us. Four million of our citizens lived in Türkiye with official status.

"Türkiye’s stance was resolute, honorable and supportive of the Syrian people. With the backing of the Turkish people, who embraced the Syrians, we will achieve our shared goals,” he said.

"Afterward, our relationship will be one of friendly cooperation based on mutual interests. We will work together as two states, but it will feel like the relationship between relatives, rooted in emotional bonds."

Sharaa, appointed health minister of the Syrian Interim Government on Dec. 16, is also the elder brother of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the new Syrian administration.