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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared there cannot be a state within a state or separate armed forces in Syria, emphasizing that resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with the spirit of agreements reached is the only way forward.
Erdogan called on Kurdish citizens not to fall for schemes aimed at undermining Türkiye's brotherhood with Kurds.
"I especially request from my Kurdish brothers, my Kurdish fellow citizens: Do not fall for schemes that aim to undermine our eternal brotherhood, to sow discord among us. Do not give credit to exploiters. Please do not heed those who try to fuel sedition, corruption, division and hatred," he said.
"The Republic of Türkiye, with its 86 million citizens, is the safest refuge, home and guarantee especially for the tens of millions who have turned their faces and direction toward it," Erdogan noted, adding that, "This state belongs to everyone whose eyes sparkle with hope when they hear its name."
Erdogan stressed that the era of terrorism, violence and weapons has ended in Syria.
"There cannot be a state within a state. There cannot be separate armed forces within a state. There cannot be a parallel army. Resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with the spirit of the agreement reached is the only way out. We want reason to prevail over ambition and greed on this matter," he said.
"Especially pushing 14-15-year-old children to the front, hiding behind children, and achieving results through their blood and lives is no longer possible. The shelf life of terrorism, violence and weapons has expired; their era has closed," the Turkish president added.
The Turkish president noted that Ankara is entering a period of reaping rewards from its efforts and sacrifices.
"We are entering a period where we will reap the fruits of our labor, efforts, sacrifices and patience in many areas. New doors are opening for Türkiye, new windows of opportunity are emerging," Erdogan said.
"I emphasize and state sincerely: We will abundantly see the blessings of standing by the oppressed in Gaza, of embracing our brothers for 13.5 years in Syria, of displaying a principled, honorable, conscientious stance in global politics," he added.
Erdogan outlined the economic benefits expected as Syria achieves stability.
"As Syria gains stability and security, all neighboring countries, especially us, will directly feel its positive effects. Trade will accelerate, investments will increase, and tourism will develop. Allah willing, a great construction and revival mobilization will begin throughout Syria, especially in settlements that the old regime turned to rubble with barrel bombs," Erdogan said.
"As the effects of the tyranny that cost nearly 1 million Syrians their lives are erased, as Syria heals its wounds and rises again with Türkiye's support, very different winds will blow in our region. We can already see signs of this," he added.
Erdogan expressed satisfaction with recent developments protecting Kurdish rights in Syria under the new government.
"We are very pleased to see that the basic rights of our Kurdish brothers, who were not even considered citizens under the Assad regime, have been secured with the latest decree issued by President Sharaa," Erdogan said.
"We believe this comprehensive development mobilization will resonate in areas that have been under terrorist organization occupation for a long time. Resources that should be spent for the welfare of the Syrian people will now be spent not on digging tunnels underground, but on building schools, hospitals, bakeries, factories and roads above ground," he added.
Erdogan emphasized the importance of implementing the Jan. 18 ceasefire and full integration agreement, noting previous failures.
"I see benefit in reminding this importantly: Just as two wrongs do not make a right, three wrongs do not make a right either. As you know, a major mistake was made by not complying with the March 10 agreement in Syria. Another wrong was committed by leaving the Jan. 4 talks without results. We consider it very, very important that the ceasefire and full integration agreement established on January 18 is implemented," Erdogan said.
"The path of reason and conscience is one. The right path for Syria is also clear. I wish and hope that everyone sees that nothing can be achieved by repeating the same mistakes and wrongs," he added.
Erdogan highlighted progress in Syria since what he called the December 8 revolution.
"Economic sanctions have been lifted. The state system that collapsed during the old regime has been reorganized. The Syrian economy has started the process of integrating into the international system. Millions of Syrian refugees, including 600,000 from our country, have returned to their homeland. Hopeful developments are occurring in social and political spheres as well," he noted.
"Even though not even a year has passed since the Dec. 8 revolution, steps that could not even be imagined before have been taken in Syria," Erdogan added.
Erdogan lastly stated that Türkiye is meeting humanitarian aid requests from Kurdish brothers living across the border in close cooperation with the Syrian government, with AFAD, the Red Crescent and humanitarian aid organizations reaching those in need in northern Syria.
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