HTS Leader: Syria to Forge Strategic Relations with Turkey
HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa announces the intention for Syria to forge strategic relations with Turkey, praising Turkey’s treatment of Syrian refugees and expressing optimism for economic cooperation. He emphasizes that the Syrian revolution’s success is a victory for both Syrians and Turks, while also clarifying that the movement does not intend to influence other Islamic countries.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently indicated that Syria is poised to cultivate a strategic partnership with Turkey. In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak, Sharaa, known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed Jolani, expressed gratitude for the treatment of Syrian refugees in Turkey, noting that they have received better care there than in other locations. He emphasized the necessity for strategic relations and the prospects for mutual commerce, asserting Turkey’s capacity to assist in Syria’s economic development.
He further remarked that the success of the Syrian revolution is a shared victory with the Turkish people, highlighting the interconnected fates of both nations. While addressing Turkey’s hosting of nearly three million Syrian refugees, he acknowledged the broader implications of more than five million Syrians having resided in Turkey at some point. Sharaa reiterated Ankara’s stance on the new Syrian government needing engagement with regional countries, including Gulf states, despite existing tensions regarding Islamic movements.
In response to queries about the intention to extend the Syrian revolution to other Islamic nations, he clarified that his movement does not aspire to extend its influence beyond its means, stating, “We have no intention of taking on tasks beyond our capacity, such as solving all the problems of the Islamic world, which would divert us from our primary responsibility to our own people.” He articulated a commitment to developing relations beneficial to the Syrian nation overall.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has led to significant repercussions, including a mass exodus of refugees. Turkey has been a primary host for nearly three million Syrian refugees, emphasizing the country’s role in regional humanitarian efforts. The potential for strategic relations between Syria and Turkey reflects broader geopolitical efforts to stabilize Syria and foster rebuilding efforts, especially as Turkey continues to navigate its diplomatic relationships within the volatile Middle Eastern landscape.
In summary, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa asserts that Syria is set to establish strategic relations with Turkey, underscoring Turkey’s role in supporting Syrian refugees and the country’s potential contributions to Syria’s reconstruction. He emphasizes that successful relations with Turkey can foster mutual benefits while expressing a careful approach toward extending influence to other Islamic nations. His comments reflect the complexities of regional diplomacy and the intertwined destinies of Syria and Turkey.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
