Erdoğan's Syria call to the European Union! 'For their return...'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. The latest developments in Syria were discussed during the critical meeting.

Erdoğan and von der Leyen held a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace following the meeting.

"We have implemented many projects with the EU during this 13-year period of humanitarian crisis and conflict. We are also expecting new projects to facilitate returns," said Erdoğan, adding the following:

"During our meeting, I also conveyed to the President that Israel must put an end to the atrocities in Gaza. The situation in Gaza has worsened further with the arrival of winter. Almost all of the 50,000 Palestinians who lost their lives in Israeli attacks are women, children, and the elderly. I emphasized that our European friends should exert pressure on the Netanyahu government. There is a need for a stronger relationship than ever between Turkey and the EU. As a candidate country, we possess this will."

Speaking after Erdoğan, von der Leyen said, "Turkey is a key partner for us in migration management. We must continue our work on border management and combating human smuggling."

Highlights from Erdoğan's speech are as follows:

"The European Union continues to be a strategic goal for Turkey. We have reopened our Embassy in Damascus. Turkey will continue to stand by its Syrian brothers and sisters.

We have seen that we agree on the establishment of an inclusive administration, primarily on the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity. Our common interests should not be held hostage to the narrow agendas of some members.

The Baath regime left behind a great wreckage; we are facing an exhausted Syria. It is not possible for the Syrian people to carry this heavy burden alone. While the Syrian people were being massacred for 13 years, the international community did not provide sufficient support.

"I EMPHASIZED THAT ISRAEL'S AGGRESSION MUST BE ENDED"

Turkey is the only country that has defeated both terrorist organizations on the ground. There is no place for DAESH, the PKK, or their offshoots in the future of our region.

We have implemented many projects with the EU during this 13-year period of humanitarian crisis and conflict. We are also expecting new projects to facilitate returns.

In our meeting, I also emphasized that Israel's aggression must be brought to an end.

There is a need for a stronger and more institutionalized relationship between Turkey and the European Union than ever before. As a candidate country, we possess this will."

'OUR DIPLOMAT WILL RETURN TO DAMASCUS'

Highlights from European Commission President von der Leyen's statements are as follows:

"Our highest-level diplomat will return to Damascus. We must step up all our efforts and continue our engagement with HTS. We must continue our work for Syria to get back on its feet at an early stage. The collapse of the Assad regime gives hope to the Syrian people. This is the most natural feeling possible. However, since there is no predictability, all returns must be voluntary."

"AN ADDITIONAL 1 BILLION EUROS ALLOCATED"

Stating that they will contribute to migration and border management, including the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, von der Leyen said, "I know that Turkey has continuously and always hosted millions of people. We have stood by you in this effort. Since 2011, the EU has provided nearly 10 billion euros to support refugees and the host community. An additional 1 billion euros has been allocated for 2024. It will support the refugees' healthcare system and educational efforts. At the same time, it will focus on migration and border security as well as voluntary returns. As developments continue on the ground, we can also allocate this 1 billion to needs in Syria as they arise."

News Source: 12punto