Erdoğan: Türkiye launches OIC programme to support Syria’s recovery

Türkiye has announced the launch of a new programme under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to support Syria and its state institutions.

The initiative was unveiled by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the opening of the 41st session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the OIC, held at the Istanbul Congress Centre, Caliber.Az reports via TRT Haber.

Erdoğan stated that Türkiye’s top priority was the recovery of neighbouring Syria and its swift return to stability.

He explained that the newly launched programme would help strengthen Syria’s human and institutional capacity, providing assistance in areas such as education, expert exchange, needs assessments, and the preparation of feasibility studies. The Turkish leader expressed confidence that OIC member states would make valuable contributions to the implementation of the initiative.

The president also emphasised that international sanctions remained a major obstacle to Syria’s economic development. However, he noted that these sanctions were gradually being eased thanks to the joint efforts of Arab and Muslim countries.

Erdoğan called on the private sector to invest in Syria, stressing that closer integration with regional economies would yield tangible benefits for Syria and the wider region. He highlighted the importance of implementing transport projects as a key component of regional integration and reaffirmed Türkiye’s ongoing support for the Syrian people in sectors including transport, education, security, trade, healthcare, and social services.

The Turkish leader underscored that preserving Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity, as well as maintaining the solidarity of the OIC and the wider Islamic world, were essential to ensuring the country’s long-term prosperity.

By Sabina Mammadli