Syria confirmed today, Saturday, that "the normalization of relations with Turkey is based on the return to the situation that existed before 2011, which is fundamental for the security, safety, and stability of both countries." It pointed out that "the interests of nations are built on healthy relations between them, not on confrontation or hostility." Syria called on Turkey to "withdraw the forces illegally present in Syrian territory and combat terrorist groups that threaten not only Syria's security but also Turkey's."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement: "As positions and statements regarding the relationship between Syria and Turkey continue to unfold, the Syrian Arab Republic wishes to emphasize that it has always been keen to clearly distinguish between peoples on one side and the policies and practices of governments that have harmed Syria and its neighboring countries on the other, as evidenced by facts and events."
It added: "Syria has always operated under the firm conviction that the interests of countries are built on sound relationships between them, not on confrontation or hostility. Based on this, Syria has sought to engage positively with various initiatives proposed to improve relations with those countries."
The foreign ministry continued: "In this context, Syria has engaged with initiatives aimed at rectifying Syrian-Turkish relations and sees that the outcome of these initiatives is not merely a media goal but rather a meaningful process based on existing facts, governed by specific principles that dictate the relationship between the two countries. These principles are founded on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence, territorial integrity, and addressing all threats to their security and stability while serving the common interests of both countries and their peoples."
The ministry emphasized: "The Syrian Arab Republic affirms that any initiative in this regard should be based on clear foundations to ensure the attainment of desired results, which involve restoring relations between the two countries to their normal state. Among those foundations is the withdrawal of illegally present forces from Syrian territory and combating terrorist groups that threaten not only Syria's security but also Turkey's."
The foreign ministry concluded its statement by expressing gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly countries that are making sincere efforts to correct Syrian-Turkish relations, affirming that the return to normal relations between the two countries is based on the return to the situation that prevailed before 2011, which is the foundation for the security, safety, and stability of both countries.
