Türkiye to reopen Aleppo Consulate on Jan. 20
The Turkish flag was raised at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus and the embassy activities resumed after 12 years. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the reopening of the country’s consulate in Aleppo, scheduled for Jan. 20, during a joint press conference with Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Ankara.
The move follows the reopening of Türkiye’s embassy in Damascus after a 12-year hiatus.
Fidan also indicated that Turkish Airlines flights to Syria would resume soon. Turkish Airlines General Manager Bilal Eksi announced Wednesday that flights to the Syrian capital Damascus will resume on Jan. 23.
In a statement on social media, Eksi shared a quote from the late Turkish poet and thinker Sezai Karakoc: “I have known Damascus since a thousand years ago. It is as close to me as my mother’s milk.”
Eksi added, “We are returning to Damascus. Starting on Thursday, January 23, we will begin flights to Damascus with three weekly departures. Best wishes.”
Focus on inclusive political processes and infrastructure
Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to assisting Syria in establishing an inclusive political process and rebuilding essential infrastructure.
“We must help the Syrian people stand on their own feet. Establishing an inclusive political process in Syria is of great importance,” he stated.
He further called for the lifting of international sanctions to facilitate the restoration of public services and infrastructure, adding that Türkiye is ready to share its expertise to aid Syria’s recovery.
Counterterrorism and regional security
The joint discussions included strategies for combating terrorism, with Fidan underscoring the need for operational cooperation to address threats like Daesh.
“We need operational cooperation. We discussed what can be done in the fight against Daesh. Türkiye has extensive experience in collaborating with third countries in counter-terrorism and is prepared to utilize all its capabilities,” he said.
Fidan reiterated that the region has endured enough conflict and highlighted Türkiye’s aspirations for a peaceful Syria.
“The future of the region has no place for terrorism. The time has come to move away from violence. Türkiye desires a Syria that lives in peace and harmony.”
