Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey’s criticisms of the global system are increasingly resonating within the Western world, in light of discussions held at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration of several service projects in the western province of Aydin, Erdogan stated that the world is rapidly moving toward a structure where ‘the law of force prevails over the force of law,’ stressing that countries which had long enjoyed comfortable geopolitical environments are now, for the first time, confronting the realities of life.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan noted that these countries are beginning to face only a small portion of the challenges that Turkey has been grappling with for many years, adding that debates in Davos indicate that Turkey’s criticisms of the global order are now finding an echo in the West. Erdogan pointed out that Western leaders who had until recently praised the global system are now speaking openly about its distortions, injustices, and structural problems, saying: ‘I see that those who once criticized us harshly are now acknowledging that we were right.’
Regarding the situation in Syria, Erdogan emphasized that eliminating the separatist terrorist threat in northern Syria would bring security and stability not only to the Syrian people but to the entire region. He recalled that Ankara had faced numerous accusations over the past 13 years for standing by the oppressed in Syria, including claims that Turkey was becoming isolated, sinking into the Middle East quagmire, or supporting the terrorist organization Daesh.
Erdogan asked, ‘What happened in the end?’ and answered that the oppressive regime in Syria collapsed, injustice came to an end, and it was replaced by a government that maintains very close ties with Turkey. He added that under the firm leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and with strong support from Turkey, Syria is now rapidly recovering, with security and stability gradually returning after more than 13 years of conflict.
Erdogan also stated that the Syrian army is progressively expelling terrorist organizations from the areas they had occupied, noting that Kurds-who were not even recognized as citizens under the former regime-are now regarded as an integral part of the new Syria, with their rights being restored, while Turkmen are holding key positions in the new government. He stressed that the fight against Daesh has become stronger and more resolute, affirming that the roots of all forms of terrorism are being eradicated in the region, and that issues which had long troubled Turkey are being resolved one by one.
Erdogan concluded by saying that Turkey is now reaping the rewards of standing on the right side of history, adding that a stable and prosperous Syria would benefit the entire region.