(MENAFN) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday the launch of a special program aimed at assisting Syria, under the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He emphasized that the backing of the Islamic world is critical to maintaining Syria's political unity and territorial integrity.

Erdogan explained that the program would focus on enhancing Syria’s human and institutional capacity, offering project support in areas such as training, expert exchanges, needs assessments, and feasibility studies.

These initiatives were presented during the 41st COMCEC Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul.

He continued by reflecting on the severe hardships endured by the Syrian people for almost 14 years.

"For nearly 14 years, our Syrian brothers and sisters have paid a heavy price; nearly one million Syrians lost their lives in attacks by the Baath regime and terrorist organizations," Erdogan stated. Millions were also forced to flee their homes, with 3.6 million Syrians seeking refuge in Türkiye, where they were welcomed with compassion.

Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye took great care in fulfilling its responsibilities as a neighbor and a brotherly nation. "Throughout this process, we hosted Syrian refugees with a sense of hospitality," he added.

He also expressed pride in Turkey’s role in offering support and shelter to the displaced Syrians.

"Praise be to Allah, the oppressed Syrians finally achieved victory," Erdogan declared.

He highlighted that the brutal violence that had plagued Syria for 14 years had come to an end with the revolution of Dec. 8, ushering in a period of recovery.

This recovery, according to Erdogan, is guided by the strong leadership of Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara.

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