Reopening of Turkish Consulate in Aleppo Marks Milestone
Officials in Aleppo raised the Turkish flag at the country's consulate building, signifying a significant moment as the diplomatic mission reopened after 12 years on Monday.
Presence of Dignitaries at the Ceremony
Ambassador Burhan Köroğlu, currently serving as the interim charge d'affaires of the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, joined Consul General Hakan Cengiz and other dignitaries to commemorate the reopening of the consulate.
Local Support and Celebration
The reopening ceremony was attended by local residents who enthusiastically chanted celebratory slogans, showcasing their support for the renewed diplomatic relations.
Turkey's Ongoing Relations with Syria
Turkey has maintained strong ties with the new administration in Syria and demonstrated its commitment by being among the first countries to reopen its embassy in the country following the fall of the Baathist regime.
Closure of the Embassy in 2012
Due to escalating unrest in Syria in March 2012, the Turkish embassy had to be closed, and the staff evacuated to Turkey for safety reasons.
Support for Syrian Opposition
During the onset of the civil war in 2011, Turkey supported the Syrian opposition against the Assad regime, which led to millions being displaced, with many seeking refuge in Turkey.
Diplomatic Efforts for Normalization
While advocating for normalizing ties with the Assad regime in the war's final year, Turkey's efforts did not yield the desired results despite its push for a peaceful transitional period and an inclusive government.
Ankara's Vision for Syria's Future
With the end of Baathist rule in Syria, Ankara viewed it as a revolution and has since been at the forefront of diplomatic initiatives to assist Syria in its path towards stability and normalcy, crucial for Turkey's regional stability.
President Erdogan's Commitment to Syria's Reconstruction
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pledged to support the new Syrian administration in establishing a robust state structure and drafting a new constitution to facilitate the country's recovery post years of civil war turmoil.
