The visit of the interim Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa to Ankara is the leading topic of the Turkish press today, writes BTA.
In an article titled “Common position on the fight against terrorism“, the “Hürriyet“ newspaper writes that after a 15-year hiatus, a visit at the level of the head of state of Syria was made to Turkey for the first time yesterday. The publication adds that the meeting between Erdogan and the new Syrian leader lasted 3 and a half hours.
“The beginning of a lasting friendship“. This is the title of the pro-government newspaper. “Yeni Şafak“, published on the topic on its front page this morning.
Ash Sharaa met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who described the Syrian president's visit to Ankara as a “historic“ step towards the beginning of a period of “lasting friendship and cooperation“ between the two countries.
At a joint press conference, Erdogan stressed Turkey's commitment to preserving the territorial integrity and unity of Syria.
In a report titled “We will not allow the division of Syria“, Aksham newspaper quoted Erdogan as confirming “unwavering support“ Ankara's statement on Damascus, adding that Turkey "has never abandoned its Syrian sisters and brothers in their most difficult times and will continue to support them in this new period." Erdogan also expressed confidence in Syria's ability to recover.
Turkey is ready to help rebuild devastated Syrian cities, the Turkish head of state said, adding that he believes accelerating economic recovery will encourage the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
In a report titled "Multilateral Cooperation," the pro-government daily "Türkiye" writes that Erdogan said yesterday that Turkey will develop relations with Syria in many areas, including trade, civil aviation, energy, health and education.
He called for financial and moral support from the Arab and Islamic world for the new government and the people of Syria.
Ash Sharaa also expressed a desire to turn relations with Turkey into a strategic partnership in all areas. He stated that in the upcoming stage, relations will focus on “strengthening trade and joint investments, especially for infrastructure reconstruction, as well as economic recovery“, Turkish newspapers wrote.
Al-Sharaa also invited President Erdogan to visit Syria “at the earliest opportunity“.
The Syrian president emphasized that Turkey's support for Syria is “continuous“.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, Turkish President Erdogan pledged Turkey's support in actions against terrorist groups in Syria, including “Islamic State“ and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party).
“There is no place for terror in a new Syria“, is the headline on the topic of the newspaper. “Sabah“.
"I believe that by acting in solidarity with Syria, we will create a climate of complete peace and security in our common region, free from terrorism," Erdogan also said.