Turkiye pledges to protect those in need in Syria

Turkiye will act as a protector for any majority or minority feeling vulnerable during the new phase unfolding in Syria, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said yesterday.

During a joint press conference with Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin yesterday in Ankara, Fidan emphasised: “If any majority or minority is feeling in distress during this new phase in Syria, Turkiye will stand as their protector, regardless of their identity.”

Fidan highlighted that millions of Syrians were displaced during the suppression under the Assad regime, with many forced to seek refuge in Turkiye and other countries. Ankara, he said, never hesitated to offer sanctuary to those fleeing the regime’s oppression.

“In this new period if any group in Syria – be they Alawites, Christians, Yazidis, or others – feels uneasy or anxious, Turkiye will be their guardian and protector, just as we have been for others in Syria.”

He continued: “God willing, no harm will come to anyone. However, should a problem arise, our President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is deeply concerned and has clear principles on this matter.”

“We will stand by anyone facing injustice and oppression, showing solidarity with them. Our focus is on the events, not who is involved.”

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