Ankara: The Turkish National Security Council affirmed Ankara’s continued support for the Syrian government in its efforts to ensure the country’s unity, integrity, and stability. In a statement issued at the conclusion of a meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the capital, Ankara, which lasted for more than four hours, the council noted that it had discussed in detail developments in Syria, taking into account the repercussions of ongoing events in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the council affirmed Turkey’s continued support for the Syrian government in its efforts to ensure the country’s unity, integrity, and stability. It emphasized that thwarting all separatist and destructive activities and preventing attacks and occupation operations targeting Syria’s sovereignty, which aim to drag it back into a new cycle of violence and chaos, are a top priority for Turkey.

The meeting also assessed the political and military consequences of the period that began with the Israeli attack on Iran. The statement emphasized the need to prevent the recurrence of tensions and conflicts in the already highly fragile Middle East.

The statement called on the international community to assume its responsibility and act immediately to stop the Israeli government, which has violated international law by targeting Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and then Iran, and which seeks to drag the region into the abyss through the genocide and crimes against humanity it is committing in Gaza.

Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, the statement expressed concern over signs of renewed escalation, emphasizing Turkey’s readiness to assume responsibility and make every possible contribution to achieving a lasting peace.

The meeting, according to the statement, also assessed the progress made in achieving the goal of a “terror-free Turkey” and future actions in this regard. The statement read: “It was emphasized that with the removal of the shackles of terrorism that were intended to bind our country, the bonds of brotherhood among our people will be strengthened, and progress will be made toward our national goals with faster and more stable steps.”