Türkiye’s doors open for Syrian, Lebanese migrants fleeing war, says Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s open-door policy for refugees on Saturday, emphasizing the country’s continued support for those fleeing conflicts in Syria and Lebanon.

Speaking alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a joint press conference in Istanbul, Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s long-standing efforts to shelter refugees.

“Our doors have always been open to Syrian refugees,” Erdogan stated. “If there are those coming from Lebanon as well, we have kept our doors open to them. There are a significant number of Turkmens in Lebanon, and we will welcome them in the same way. I have said this before, and I say it again today: our doors remain open to them.”

Erdogan’s remarks underscore Türkiye’s role as a key destination for displaced populations amid regional instability, a stance it has maintained since the onset of the Syrian conflict.

Chancellor Scholz praised Türkiye’s efforts in managing the humanitarian crisis. “Türkiye is making significant efforts on the issue of migration and refugees. We will continue to support Türkiye as it deals with the consequences of the war in Syria,” Scholz said.

The leaders also addressed the strong economic ties between Germany and Türkiye. Scholz noted that the countries’ bilateral trade volume has reached a record level of €55 billion, with potential for further growth.