Ambassador: Iran - key player in facilitating Türkiye-Syria reconciliation

Türkiye's Ambassador to Iran Hicabi Kırlangıc has emphasised in an interview in Tehran that Türkiye is counting on Iran to play a constructive role in fostering a rapprochement between Ankara and Damascus.  

Kırlangıc elaborated on the ongoing process of restoring relations between Türkiye and Syria, Caliber.Az reports citing the Iranian media.

Addressing Türkiye’s concerns and the prerequisites for normalising ties with Syria, the ambassador stressed that no terrorist threats should emanate from within Syrian borders.  

He warned that insisting on the withdrawal of foreign forces, including Turkish troops, could lead to chaos in Syria, primarily due to US influence.

Kırlangıc highlighted Türkiye’s awareness of terrorist groups in Syria that are being strengthened with overt US support, and reaffirmed Ankara’s firm stance on the issue. “We are committed to establishing relations with Syria and consider Iran’s role crucial in facilitating continued dialogue with Syrian officials,” the ambassador underscored.

The ambassador emphasised that Türkiye values "Iran's constructive behaviour" in the Syrian situation, highlighting that his country is actively engaged with Iran and has made joint efforts to address the issue.  

He expressed Türkiye's hope for further cooperation with Iran, noting that the region cannot afford to face these challenges under the current conditions.

“We must take matters into our own hands to establish and stabilise peace in the region. Iran and Türkiye have significant roles to play in this regard. Specifically, Iran's close relationship with Syria could encourage Syria to move towards peace with Türkiye,” Kırlangıc stated.

The ambassador reiterated that Türkiye has no territorial ambitions in other countries, aiming solely to ensure its security through appropriate measures.   

He stressed that Türkiye is deeply committed to Syria's territorial integrity, warning that any disintegration of Syria would only exacerbate the crisis in the region.

“Türkiye consistently prioritises the protection of Syria’s territorial integrity,” Kırlangıc concluded.