Erdogan praises Syrian progress despite all challenges

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the advances Syrians have made over the past year, “despite all hardships, sabotage attempts and provocations,” according to reports. In a post shared on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Erdogan marked the first anniversary of the Dec. 8 Revolution, noting the liberation of Syrians after years of tyranny, immense sacrifice, deep suffering, and countless hardships.

He also commemorated those martyred in attacks by the former regime and terrorist groups, stating: “On Syria’s Dec. 8 Freedom Day, I extend Türkiye’s heartfelt greetings and affection to the brotherly Syrian people.”

Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye “will continue to provide all necessary support to safeguard Syria’s territorial integrity, to help establish social peace among all segments within the country, and to ensure that it stands out as a center of peace and stability in its region.”

The remarks come nearly a year after Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for almost 25 years, fled to Russia in December 2024, ending the Baath Party’s decades-long regime. A transitional administration led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa was formed in January to guide Syria’s political transition.

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