Ankara 30 Nov (SANA)Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday that Syria is slowly emerging from years of economic crisis and the scars of conflict, noting that Turkey, Germany, several European countries, and the United States are all working to support the country’s recovery.
Fidan’s statements came during an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Fidan described Syria’s recovery as steady but slow, adding that around 500,000 Syrians have returned from Turkey to their homeland since the end of last year. He expressed optimism that continued positive developments over the next one to two years would encourage more returns by creating new economic opportunities for Syrians abroad.
“As conditions improve, more people will see viable prospects for livelihoods inside Syria,” Fidan said.
However, the Turkish foreign minister warned that Israel’s actions currently represent the main obstacle to Syria’s recovery.
Fidan had reiterated earlier this week the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty during a joint press conference with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin. He stressed that Syria’s stability is vital for both regional and global security.
“Stability in Syria makes a major contribution to regional and international stability,” Fidan said. “It is essential for Syria to heal its wounds, accelerate its economic development, and take its proper place in the fight against ISIS.”
