“We have stressed from the beginning of the normalization process that we defend the protection of Syria’s territorial integrity and the establishment of lasting, just and comprehensive peace and tranquility in our neighborhood,” Erdogan said.

According to the president, in addition to the protection of Turkish borders, this attitude also supports his way of understanding the fight against terrorist organizations. “Our region has become a ring of fire and, unfortunately, that circle is getting narrower every day. We hope that the Syrian administration realizes the benefits of a sincere and realistic normalization of relations with Türkeye and takes appropriate measures,” he said.

The Turkish leader hopes that in the coming period there will be constructive steps in this direction and normalization of relations between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after his return from the Russian city of Kazan, where he attended the BRICS Summit, Erdogan said that he asked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to help Syrian President Bashar al-Assad respond to Ankara’s call to normalize relations. “Russia’s influence on the Syrian administration is well known. We have discussed with Putin all these issues, our position and our expectations. We have asked him to act so that Bashar al-Assad responds to our call,” he said.

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