Ankara, July 1, (SANA) Türkiye’s Ambassador to Syria, Nuh Yilmaz, affirmed that relations between Damascus and Ankara are strategic, noting that the two countries are currently cooperating across multiple fields under a clear vision for future development.
Yilmaz expressed Türkiye’s readiness to actively contribute to Syria’s reconstruction, stressing Syria’s importance as a key gateway for Türkiye to the Arab world.
In an interview with TRT Arabic, the ambassador said the relationship between the two countries embodies the concept of strategic partnership, emphasizing that Syria’s security is part of Türkiye’s national security. He added that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly underlined Türkiye’s commitment to taking all necessary measures in this regard.
He explained that cooperation extends beyond security to include education equivalency, agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and trade. He highlighted that many files of interest to Turkish officials are currently under discussion in Damascus.
Yilmaz recalled the historical context of bilateral ties, noting that relations were nearly severed before the liberation process, while Türkiye had sought to strengthen cooperation with Syria before 2011. He pointed out that Türkiye reopened its embassy in Damascus within a week of liberation, reflecting Ankara’s support.
The ambassador affirmed Türkiye’s global expertise in construction and readiness to deploy its capabilities in Syria’s reconstruction, citing Turkish contractors’ rapid achievements in rebuilding Hatay after the earthquake as an example.
He also underscored Syria’s role as Türkiye’s gateway to Arab markets, noting that millions of Syrians in Türkiye had previously helped open regional markets to Turkish products. He said developing road and rail projects through Syria would accelerate Türkiye’s access to Gulf states and enhance regional trade.
Yilmaz further mentioned the possibility of establishing a joint trade zone between Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria within the next decade and reviving the historic land pilgrimage route from Istanbul to Mecca via Syria.
He praised Syria’s diplomatic approach in lifting sanctions quickly, describing it as a “true diplomatic miracle,” and concluded by thanking the Syrian people, saying, “Here I truly feel at home, not in a foreign country. What Syria needs most today is stability.”
MHD
