Former presidential advisor meets with HTS leader Jolani: 'This is Turkey's victory'

Yasin Aktay, a former advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a member of the AKP, met with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (Ahmed al-Shara) in Damascus. The interview Yasin Aktay conducted with Jolani was published in the Yeni Şafak newspaper.

'WE TRUST TURKEY'

Addressing relations with Turkey, the HTS leader responded to the question, "How will your relationship with Turkey be, and what is your message to the Turkish people who have always stood by the revolution?" as follows:

"As you know, Syrians have taken refuge in many countries, but the country that embraced them the most and showed them the most respect was Turkey. I hope Syria does not forget this kindness. There will be strategic relations. Turkey has many priorities in the construction of the new Syrian state. There will also be mutual commercial relations."

"We also trust Turkey to transfer its economic development experience to Syria. We will protect social ties. We will share the same moments with love and sincerity, and this victory is not only the victory of the Syrian people but also the victory of the Turkish people. Because the oppressed have won a victory against the oppressor; this is the victory of sincere people like the Turkish people."

'WE HAVE NOW LEFT THE HARDEST PART BEHIND'

Speaking about the return of Syrian refugees, Jolani used the following expressions:

"We have now overcome the hardest part. The Syrian people are deeply attached to their land, and it is true that many houses have been destroyed. We must find a solution to this situation by creating a suitable environment for people to return to their countries and homelands."

"We must build first-class housing. Then we must provide services to them, and then we must develop the economy. I think half of the people will return to Syria in masses."