Türkiye Hails Syrians’ Rebuilding Efforts, Says March 10 Deal Will Block Malign Actors: Erdogan

ISTANBUL: Türkiye is encouraged by the determination of the Syrian people to rebuild their country despite immense challenges, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, adding that the implementation of Syria’s March 10 agreement will undermine the plans of actors seeking to exploit instability.

Speaking at a Human Rights Day event in Ankara, Erdogan praised Syrians for striving to recover from years of conflict, devastation, and what he described as oppression under the Assad regime.

“We are pleased to see the Syrian people rebuilding their country despite all the hardships and destruction,” he said, congratulating Syrians on the first anniversary of the Syrian revolution and their Dec. 8 Liberation Day. He lauded their resilience over 13 years of “persecution and brutality.”

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s full support for Syria’s reconstruction and recovery, noting that the Syrian revolution had passed its most difficult stage. With stable and inclusive governance, he expressed confidence that Syria would not return to “its dark days.”

The March 10 agreement, announced by the Syrian presidency, envisions integrating the SDF, dominated by the YPG/PKK, into Syria’s state structure while affirming the country’s territorial integrity and rejecting separatist agendas.

Erdogan said the deal’s proper implementation would strengthen Syria’s unity and disrupt efforts by malign actors seeking a divided and weakened Syria.

Highlighting long-standing support for Syrians, Erdogan said Türkiye had always stood by refugees and helped create safe zones. He argued that various Syrian communities, Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Sunnis, and Alawites,would rebuild Syria together “through trust and solidarity.”

He also noted that a new Syria was emerging, with many young people in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs speaking Turkish after having lived or grown up in Türkiye.

Erdogan likened the rising Syrian-Turkish relationship to Türkiye’s ties with Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, calling it a sign of “brotherhood and revival.”

Turning to Palestine, Erdogan said the oppressed people of Gaza would one day see their struggle rewarded with the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“No treacherous plan will stop this,” he said, noting that Palestinians had endured decades of suffering, loss, and destruction.

He vowed that Türkiye would continue standing by the oppressed “just as we did in Syria,” insisting that perseverance and unity would overcome injustice.

Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye’s role extends beyond protecting its borders, presenting the country as a builder of peace and diplomacy across regions from the Middle East to Africa and South Asia.

“Türkiye defends justice, rights, peace, and human dignity with courage,” he said.

He added that Türkiye’s stance on Syria and Gaza was a “human rights epic,” pointing out that Ankara had never bowed to external pressure or threats.

“With our hands, our words, and our hearts, we have worked to stop oppression,” Erdogan said, underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to global humanitarian responsibilities under the principle of a “Strong Türkiye for Humanity.”