Ankara: Trkiye is closely following recent developments in neighboring Syria and taking necessary measures amid renewed fighting between the Bashar al-Assad regime and armed opposition groups in the country, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday. “We are closely following the developments that erupted suddenly in our neighbor Syria over the past few days,” Erdogan told a joint news conference with his Montenegrin counterpart Jakov Milatovic in Trkiye’s capital, Ankara.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin are in constant contact with their counterparts and holding consultations. Ankara is closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Syria in line with its national security priorities and is taking all necessary measures to prevent unfavorable outcomes, said Erdogan. “It is our greatest wish that Syria’s territorial integrity is preserved and the instability ends with a consensus in line with the legitim
ate demands of the Syrian people,” said the Turkish president. He underlined that Ankara remains ready to “do whatever we must to put out the fire” in the region.
In the Russia-Ukraine War, which affects both countries, Trkiye has been advocating for the establishment of a fair peace from the very beginning, he said. He also said that Trkiye has had the same principled stance towards Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon and has clearly expressed its support for the new cease-fire in Lebanon. “We hope and wish for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza,” he added. “For a long time, we have been pointing out the possibility that the spiral of violence in the Middle East could affect Syria as well.” Recent events have confirmed and validated Trkiye’s position, he said.
Clashes broke out last Wednesday between Assad regime forces and armed opposition groups in rural areas of Aleppo, Syria, marking a re-escalation of the fighting after a period of relative calm in the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011.
On Trkiye
-Montenegro relations, Erdogan said Trkiye has strong and comprehensive cooperation with Montenegro based on political, economic, and cultural foundations, in line with their shared history. He added Milatovic’s first visit to Trkiye shows the exceptional level of relations between the two countries. “In our meeting, we extensively discussed bilateral relations and evaluated the steps we will take in the coming period. We decided to establish a high-level strategic council to institutionalize our relations.”
Additionally, discussions included views on regional and international issues, reaffirming the importance placed on stability in the Balkans. “I would like to emphasize once again that Trkiye attaches great importance to supporting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Balkans, which is a mosaic of religions and ethnicities.” Milatovic expressed that Trkiye is one of the most important partners for Montenegro both economically and strategically. His numerous meetings with Erdogan reflect the importance
given to the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Milatovic said.
“This year, we are celebrating the 145th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Trkiye. These diplomatic ties between the two countries are a sign of continuity and mutual respect,” he said. “Today, Trkiye is an important NATO ally and partner for Montenegro. We appreciate Trkiye’s constructive role in the Balkans and its contributions to stability and prosperity in the region.”