A first after a 12-year hiatus... Damascus Embassy reopened
Following the end of the Assad administration, Turkey's Embassy in Damascus has resumed operations after a 12-year hiatus, raising the Turkish flag. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Burhan Köroğlu has assumed his duties.
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Turkey has reopened its Embassy in Damascus, which was closed in 2012. As the Turkish flag was raised at the embassy building, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Burhan Köroğlu officially began his duties.
The embassy, which closed in 2012 after the Syrian regime responded to peaceful protests with violence, has resumed service after 12 years. Turkey's diplomatic presence in Damascus was revitalized with a ceremony held at the building in Rawda Square, where diplomatic missions are concentrated.
A NEW STEP IN THE DIPLOMATIC PROCESS
Appointed as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, Burhan Köroğlu received his assignment decision from Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and began his work in Damascus.
IT HAD CEASED OPERATIONS IN 2012
Turkey's Embassy in Damascus ceased operations in March 2012, and staff and their families returned to Turkey. However, the Syrian Consulate General in Istanbul had continued its operations uninterrupted during this period.