ISTANBUL
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called for stability and reconciliation in Syria, urging all sides to prioritize unity and avoid actions that could derail prospects for lasting peace.
“Our greatest wish for Syria is to achieve stability and peace; we want Syrians to build their future together in unity,” Erdogan said, speaking at a Justice and Development (AK) Party parliamentary group meeting in the capital Ankara.
He also stressed the need for cooperation among the country’s diverse communities after decades of conflict, noting that the outlines of a long-term settlement are becoming clearer and cautioning parties against repeating past mistakes.
“The roadmap for lasting peace in Syria has been set; parties must avoid miscalculations, repeating past mistakes, or poisoning the process with maximalist demands,” said Erdogan.
Highlighting the human cost of the war, Erdogan added: “Every drop of blood shed breaks our hearts, regardless of whether it is Arab, Turkmen, Kurd, or Nusayri; every life lost in Syria feels like losing a part of ourselves.”
He also called for a shift toward reconstruction and economic recovery. “It is time for Syria’s resources and above- and below-ground wealth to be used for the prosperity of all sectors of society, not for digging tunnels under cities,” he said.
Addressing regional concerns, Erdogan rejected claims that Türkiye seeks dominance, saying: “Türkiye is not seeking influence in the region and has no desire to shape other countries; on the contrary, we sincerely seek fellowship.”
He also welcomed what he described as shared sensitivities with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan on Syria’s future, saying Türkiye would work together with those countries to support stability in the country.
Support for political roadmap and reconstruction
Reaffirming Ankara’s long-standing position on the Syrian crisis, Erdogan stressed that violence only breeds further violence and warned against actions that could undermine emerging progress.
The president underlined the importance of implementing the Jan. 18 and Jan. 30 agreements on the basis of “one army, one state, one Syria,” saying the framework for permanent peace and stability has become clearer.
He also said Türkiye had witnessed what he called sincere efforts by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to rebuild the country, noting that recent operations had generated both support for the new administration and high expectations among locals.
Erdogan voiced confidence that the Syrian government would ensure broad political participation and rapidly implement an effective development plan, adding that Türkiye would continue closely monitoring developments in Syria, which it shares its longest land border with.
Humanitarian support and Türkiye’s regional role
He also pledged ongoing support for the Syrian people, saying Türkiye this would continue “until smiles return to the faces of children from Aleppo to Damascus, Raqqa, Hasakah, Qamishli, Daraa, and Kobani.”
Erdogan also said that during recent operations in Syria, he ordered the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and humanitarian groups to mobilize rapidly, sending truckloads of aid supplies, in coordination with the Syrian government, to Kurdish-populated areas in an initial phase.
Regional diplomacy and upcoming engagements
Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s recent and upcoming diplomatic efforts, saying during Jordan King’s Abdullah visit to Ankara last Saturday, the two leaders held extensive and productive talks seeking to strengthen bilateral ties. Erdogan said he hopes to visit Jordan in the near future.
“We do not stop, we cannot stop; we have much to do. We increase our pace, our passion, and our determination every day,” Erdogan said, adding that he was set to host Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis later Wednesday and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday. He also announced plans to visit the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia early next week.
Erdogan said Türkiye’s intensified diplomatic contacts, both public and behind the scenes, seek to promote regional peace.
“As Türkiye, what we want for ourselves — peace, security, stability, development and prosperity — we want the same for our friends, neighbors, and brotherly countries,” he said, adding that Ankara engages with all actors “without any complexes” in a spirit of fellowship.