Syrian FM: The return of relationship with Turkey is based on the return of the situation that prevailed before 2011

DAMASC7S, JUL.13, (ST)- Syria has affirmed that the return of the normal relationship with Turkey is based on the return of the situation that prevailed before 2011 because it is the basis for the security, safety and stability of the two countries, noting that the interests of countries are built on the sound relationship between them, and not on conflict or hostility.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement issued today: “ At a time when positions and statements talk about the relationship between Syria and Turkey, the Syrian Arab Republic would like to recall that it has always been keen on making a clear distinction between peoples on the one hand and the policies and practices of governments that have harmed Syria and its countries on the other hand, according to what has been proven by facts and events.”

It added: “Syria was keen on dealing positively with the various initiatives that were put forward to improve relations between it and those countries…. Syria dealt with initiatives to correct the Syrian-Turkish relationship, and believes that the result of these initiatives is not a media goal, but rather a purposeful path based on existing facts, and built on specific principles that govern the relationship between the two countries, the basis of respecting sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and confront everything that threatens their security and stability, and serving the common interest of the two countries and peoples.”

“The Syrian Arab Republic affirms that any initiative in this regard must be built on clear foundations, to ensure reaching the desired results represented by the return of relations between the two countries to their normal state, mainly the withdrawal of forces that illegally exist in Syria  from it and combating terrorist groups that threaten not only the security of Syria, but also the security of Turkey,” the ministry clarified.

The Foreign Ministry concluded its statement by saying: “As the Syrian Arab Republic expresses its thanks and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly countries that are making sincere efforts to correct the Syrian-Turkish relationship, it confirms that the return of the normal relationship between the two countries is based on the return of the situation that prevailed before 2011.”

Basma Qaddour