Erdoğan: Türkiye to never compromise on Syria's integrity

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has firmly stated that his country will never go to compromise on Syria's territorial integrity.

In a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity, saying, “The preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and its unitary structure is another issue which our country can never compromise. We have voiced our attitude, declared to the entire world and displayed our determination regarding separatist ambitions since the very first day,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the Directorate of Communications of the Turkish Presidential Administration.

The leaders addressed the media following a tête-à-tête and delegation meetings in Türkiye.

President Erdoğan reiterated his firm stance against violence, saying, “I am hereby reiterating a fact that I express on every occasion that whoever thinks they will strengthen their security by further shedding blood, further destructing, further destroying, or further massacring civilians is gravely mistaken. We are witnessing that the Israeli government has yet to see this fact, or rather refuses to see it.”

Highlighting Türkiye’s continued support for Lebanon amid escalating regional tensions, Erdoğan said, “Türkiye has supported Lebanon with all its means, and has maintained its humanitarian aid against the Israeli aggression.”

He emphasized the inseparability of Lebanon’s security from regional stability and the need for a ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza, “Lebanon’s security cannot be assessed separate from the region’s stability. And our region cannot find peace unless a ceasefire and permanent peace is established in Gaza,” Erdoğan stated.

International pressure on Israel urged

President Erdoğan called for sustained international pressure on Israel to adhere to a ceasefire and compensate for damages inflicted on Lebanon. “The international community should continue to put pressure on Israel in order for it to abide by the ceasefire and compensate for the damage it has caused in Lebanon,” he noted, adding that Türkiye remains committed to playing its part in this effort.

Cooperation on Syria

Turning to developments in Syria, Erdoğan announced a new phase of cooperation between Türkiye and Lebanon as neighbours of the conflict-torn country. “A new era has now begun in Syria. We, as the two important neighbours of Syria, have agreed on taking joint steps. Syria’s stability means the region’s stability,” he said.

Erdoğan acknowledged the regional toll of Syria’s 13-year-long conflict, commending Lebanon’s solidarity in hosting Syrian refugees. “Just like us, Lebanon has embraced our Syrian brothers and sisters without any hesitation, and hosted them,” he remarked.

He underscored the importance of reconstructing Syria and fostering normalcy in daily life, stressing the need for an inclusive administration. “The formation of a permanent comprehensive and inclusive administration, whereby all segments are represented, is important not just for Syrians, but also for the countries in the region,” Erdoğan stated.

Türkiye’s continued support for Syrians

Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Syrian people. “Türkiye, as it has done since the beginning of the conflict, will stand with the Syrian people, and make all kinds of contributions,” he affirmed.

The press conference highlighted Türkiye and Lebanon’s shared commitment to addressing regional challenges collaboratively, with a focus on peace, reconstruction, and stability.

By Khagan Isayev