Türkiye's Ambassador to Damascus, Nuh Yılmaz, evaluated the diplomatic traffic and regional developments on the Ankara-Damascus route to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera "Suriye Now" channel.
Yılmaz stated that Turkey's largest diplomatic representation in the world is located in Damascus and drew attention to the historical roots of the relations between the two countries, their military and economic cooperation and their determination in the fight against terrorism.
Pointing out the deep historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Syria, Yılmaz emphasized that Damascus has a special place in the memory of the Turkish nation and said:
"This ancient city, known as 'Damascus Sharif' throughout history, has a deep-rooted heritage from the Ottomans to the Seljuks. The most unique traces of our culture, from the call to prayer in the Umayyad Mosque to our common traditions, continue to live here."
Evaluating the security parameters and military contacts between the two countries, Yılmaz reminded President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's principle of "Syria's security is Türkiye's security".
Pointing out that the basic security threats on the border line have disappeared with the new administration in Syria taking office, Yılmaz continued as follows:
"After December 8, 2024, four strategic security problems on our border such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, uncontrolled migration and terrorism suddenly disappeared.
The visit of Turkish Naval Forces ships to Latakia Port is the most concrete indicator of our cooperation in the military and maritime fields in the coming period. "We are ready to support the Syrian army in its training, equipment and logistics needs."
Noting that their stance against terrorist elements in the region is clear, Ambassador Yılmaz emphasized that SDF and PKK/YPG should be completely cleared from the region.
Stating that they are closely monitoring the process between the Syrian administration and the terrorist organization YPG, Yılmaz said, "We are shaping the dream as an environment where terrorism ends not only in Turkey but in our entire geography. The complete elimination of SDF and PKK elements throughout Turkey, Syria and Iraq is essential for Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty. As President Ahmed Shara stated, although the integration process is progressing slowly, we support the steps to end terrorism." he said.
The target is 10 billion dollars of trade volume and opened border gates
Regarding economic relations, Yılmaz noted that the trade volume between the two countries increased by 40 percent in a short time, reaching 3.75 billion dollars, and the medium-term target is 10 billion dollars.
Stating that negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement and common industrial zones are continuing, Yılmaz shared the following details about the border gates:
"We aim to open all gates on our border line, which exceeds 900 kilometers. Within the framework of the agreement reached by our Ministry of Commerce and the Syrian customs authorities, we expect the border gates, especially the Nusaybin-Qamishli line, to become operational gradually within 3 months. In addition, transportation and customs processes will be accelerated with the Free Zone and Land Port project to be established in Idlib."
Emphasizing the importance of the support given to education in Syria, Yılmaz stated that within the scope of the agreement reached between the Ministry of National Education and the Syrian authorities, an International Turkish School will be opened in Damascus and its surroundings in the coming period.
Regarding the situation of Syrians under temporary protection, Yılmaz stated that the work permit exemption has been in effect for a long time, and that new visa regulations are being worked on by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs in order to facilitate the visits of Syrians returning to their country to Turkey.
President Erdogan's visit to Damascus is on the agenda
Responding to a question regarding President Erdoğan's possible visit to Syria, Yılmaz said the following:
"Our esteemed President has great love for Damascus and the Umayyad Mosque. Previously planned contacts were postponed due to developments in the region.
We hope that we will see our President in Damascus before the end of this year. "That historic square where Mr. Erdoğan and Mr. Shara will walk in the Umayyad Mosque will announce to the world the power of the strategic partnership between the two countries."
