Erdogan's statements reflect a significant shift in Turkey's foreign policy towards Syria, potentially paving the way for diplomatic engagement after years of tension.
The emphasis on security and the return of refugees indicates Turkey's dual approach of addressing humanitarian concerns while maintaining national security interests.
Erdogan's call for Assad to create a new climate in Syria suggests that Turkey is looking for concrete actions from the Syrian government to facilitate normalization.
If a meeting between Erdogan and Assad occurs, it could lead to a thaw in relations and possibly a collaborative approach to addressing security issues in the region.
Increased diplomatic engagement may encourage other regional players to reassess their positions on the Syrian conflict, potentially leading to a more unified approach to stability in the Middle East.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism regarding the normalization of relations with Syria, indicating a potential meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. He emphasized that Turkey's outreach aims to foster peace and stability in Syria, despite the ongoing complexities in the region. Erdogan's comments came after attending a summit in Saudi Arabia, where he highlighted the importance of addressing security threats posed by terrorist groups along the Turkish-Syrian border. He reiterated that Turkey's military operations are defensive, aimed at ensuring national security and facilitating the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. Erdogan also urged Assad to take necessary steps to create a conducive environment for peace, acknowledging the broader regional threats, including those from Israel.
