Syria's HTS leader says new authorities seek strategic ties with Türkiye Highlights Refugee Return Plans

The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has expressed his intention to establish strategic relations with Türkiye.

Al-Sharaa emphasized that Türkiye plays a significant role in shaping the future of Syria, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

"We will have strategic relations with Türkiye," he said. " Türkiye has many priorities in the creation of a new Syrian state, including mutual commercial ties, and we believe that Türkiye will share its experience in economic development with Syria."

Al-Sharaa also shared his hope for the return of Syrian refugees, stating that he expected half of those who fled since 2011 to return to their homeland.

"Syrians have found refuge in many countries, but Türkiye has accepted the most and treated them with the utmost respect. I hope Syria will not forget this. This is also a victory for such sincere people as the Turkish people," he added.

According to Türkiye’s Ministry of the Interior, approximately 2.9 million Syrian refugees are currently living in Türkiye. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously announced plans to facilitate the return of around one million refugees to Syria.

In recent months, Syrians have begun to return to their country following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Moreover, UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, met with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on December 15 to discuss Syria’s ongoing challenges. It marked Pedersen’s first visit to the capital since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

During the meeting, al-Sharaa urged the alignment of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 with current developments in Syria, calling for swift cooperation to address the country’s issues. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria's territorial integrity, supporting reconstruction efforts, and fostering economic growth.

Al-Sharaa also stressed the need for safe conditions to facilitate the voluntary return of refugees, advocating for careful, expert-led processes to avoid rushing these critical steps.

By Aghakazim Guliyev