Erdogan: Turkey Supports Syria's Territorial Integrity, Works Towards ‘Just and Lasting Solution’

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his country continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria, seeks a fair and sustainable solution to the situation in the country, and opens up more space for diplomacy in the region, including with the participation of the Syrian regime.

In particular, Erdogan discussed Turkish-Russian ties and the latest developments in Syria with Russian dictator Putin, Daily Sabah reported, citing the Presidential Communications Office.   

‘Turkey, on the one hand, continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria, on the other hand, seeks a just and sustainable solution to the situation in Syria, and it is important to open more space for diplomacy in the region, and the Syrian regime should participate in this political solution process,’ Erdogan said during the conversation.

The Turkish leader also stressed that the most important issue in the context of recent events in Syria is that civilians should not suffer and that Syria should not be a source of greater instability. According to him, Turkey is doing everything possible to ensure calm in Syria.

Erdogan said that Turkey will continue to maintain its resolute stance against the PKK terrorist organisation and its representatives who are trying to benefit from the recent events in Syria.

According to the Voice of America, the success of the Syrian rebels against the Damascus forces over the past few days gives Turkey the opportunity to secure key strategic goals in Syria.

Besides, the Opposition Forces, led by the Islamist militant group ‘Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’, have captured dozens of settlements in Syria. On 29 November, they entered the country's second largest city, Aleppo, pushing back the forces of Russia's ally Assad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said that Moscow and Tehran bear the main responsibility for the deterioration of the security situation in Syria.