Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Turkey’s intention to aid Syria in restructuring its state and drafting a new constitution following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. This initiative includes collaboration with HTS leadership and focuses on building a political framework while addressing significant concerns surrounding regional security and the return of refugees from Turkey.
On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey is prepared to assist the Syrian administration in Damascus with restructuring the state and developing a new constitution. During a visit to Cairo, President Erdogan indicated that Turkey is cooperating with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on creating the constitution, underscoring its significance in Syria’s transition following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2023.
President Erdogan emphasized the importance of drafting a comprehensive constitution and establishing a robust political framework to determine the future of Syria. He reassured that Turkey would provide support in various sectors, including energy and humanitarian aid, as well as reconstruction efforts after years of conflict. Furthermore, he announced that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit the region to facilitate collaborative initiatives aimed at building Syria’s new governance structure.
Erdogan expressed a commitment to the new Syrian administration, highlighting Turkey’s role in aiding the transition. Ankara has previously indicated its support for military operations, such as those leading to the fall of Aleppo and the removal of Assad. In light of Turkey’s objectives, officials believe that reconstruction is crucial for encouraging the return of approximately three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey.
Additionally, President Erdogan addressed the ongoing threat from Kurdish separatist groups along Turkey’s southern border, particularly referencing the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its associated factions in Syria, which Turkey perceives as directly linked to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He concluded by asserting that the impending resolve against these terrorist organizations is imminent.
The recent developments in Turkey-Syria relations have been significantly influenced by the events surrounding the Syrian civil war and the political landscape that followed the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. With Turkey harboring a substantial number of Syrian refugees, the reconstruction of Syria is viewed as vital for repatriating these individuals. The emergence of HTS as a key player in the new Syrian political framework has prompted Turkey’s involvement in shaping the governance and constitutional framework of Syria, now that Assad’s regime has been overthrown. The overarching goal remains not only to stabilize Syria but also to ensure security in Turkey by addressing threats from Kurdish entities.
In summary, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has outlined Turkey’s commitment to assist Syria in restructuring and drafting a new constitution as part of the post-Assad political landscape. The collaboration with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa reflects Turkey’s strategic interests, particularly concerning the return of Syrian refugees and regional security against Kurdish militants. Ankara’s multi-faceted approach aims to facilitate political stability and reconstruction, emphasizing its intent to bolster relations with the new Syrian administration.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
