In the message he sent to the panel titled "Cooperation on the Path to Peace and Stability: Türkiye–Syria Brotherhood", held in Syria’s capital, Damascus, by the Directorate of Communications, the Presidency's Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, underlined Türkiye’s unwavering determination throughout the painful process in Syria.
Head of Communications Altun stressed that the relationship between Türkiye and Syria is not solely based on geographical proximity, adding this relationship is fundamentally a brotherhood shaped by cultural, religious, and historical ties – one that bridges hearts.
Pointing out that the deep-rooted friendship and solidarity between the two nations have persisted despite the unprecedented suffering inflicted on the Syrian people by the Baath regime during its rule, the Head of Communications said,
"The Baath regime—which was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, mass displacement, and grave human rights violations, and which plunged the country into one of the most profound humanitarian crises—has thankfully come to an end. The Syrian people have risen from the ashes once again. I hope that the Syrian people will now walk toward a better future, marked by prosperity, peace, and hope. Türkiye has historically supported the oppressed and has also maintained its steadfast stance during Syria's challenging period. Most notably, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s genuine support for the Syrian people, maintained in the face of all criticism, needs no further explanation."
Cooperation in media, communication, public diplomacy and countering disinformation
Head of Communications Altun remarked that during the civil war, Türkiye has not only provided humanitarian assistance but also extended sustainable support to displaced Syrians in many areas, such as enabling them to access healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Head of Communications Altun mentioned that they have consistently supported the Syrians both within Türkiye and across the border through their institutions, including the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and non-governmental organisations, adding, "Türkiye continues to consider alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and building a peaceful future in the region not only a humanitarian duty but also a historical responsibility."
Pointing out that Türkiye stands for a Syria that determines its future independently, Altun said, "In this regard, Türkiye has intensified its efforts to ensure that bilateral relations and cooperation continue developing in all sectors."
Fahrettin Altun continued: "We have also rendered our Consulate General in Aleppo operational, following the reopening of our Embassy in Damascus. Turkish Airlines has begun to offer flights to Damascus. In the realm of diplomacy, we are exerting every effort to guarantee that the new administration's sincere intentions and voice are clearly heard in the region and on the international stage."
Just as there are visits from the new administration to our country, important visits from Türkiye to Damascus are also taking place, Head of Communications Altun said, and added that they are enhancing their relations across all sectors, including trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education, in a multidimensional manner.
Head of Communications Altun said, "As President Erdoğan has stated on numerous occasions, Türkiye will continue to support Syrians in their efforts to rebuild and recover their country.
As the Directorate of Communications, we attach great importance to strengthening Türkiye-Syria cooperation in the fields of media, communication, and public diplomacy and in combating disinformation, and we are collaborating with the Syrian Ministry of Information. I wholeheartedly believe that the panel we are holding today will contribute to the cooperation between the two countries."
The panel, attended by a large number of academics, journalists, NGOs, and officials, as well as local and foreign participants, discussed ideas on the future of cooperation between the two countries in key areas, particularly in media, communication, and combating disinformation.
The panel also discussed concrete steps to rebuild social peace in Syria and enhance prosperity.
Following the panel, a screening was held of the documentary titled “The Syrian Conflict: Türkiye’s Peace Diplomacy”, prepared by the Directorate of Communications.