ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday praised the progress made by Syrians over the past year “despite all hardships, sabotage attempts and provocations.”

In a post shared on Turkish social media platform, NSosyal account, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated the first anniversary of the Dec. 8 Revolution, in which he said liberated Syrians after years of tyranny, immense sacrifice, deep suffering, and countless hardships.

He further noted that he commemorates with mercy those martyred in attacks by the former regime and terrorist groups, adding: “On Syria’s Dec. 8 Freedom Day, I extend Türkiye’s heartfelt greetings and affection to the brotherly Syrian people."

Turkish president also emphasized that Türkiye "will continue to provide all necessary support to safeguard Syria’s territorial integrity, to help establish social peace among all segments within the country, and to ensure that it stands out as a center of peace and stability in its region.”

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia last December, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Sharaa’s new transitional administration was formed in January.