STORY: Turkish FM expresses hope for Syria to embrace Türkiye's call for normalization
SHOOTING TIME: July 14, 2024
DATELINE: July 15, 2024
LENGTH: 00:00:46
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the bilateral meeting
2. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): HAKAN FIDAN, Turkish Foreign Minister

STORYLINE:

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday that Türkiye has issued a high-level call for normalization with Syria, highlighting its utmost importance, and expressed hope for a positive response from Syria.
   
Addressing a press conference alongside visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Istanbul, Fidan expressed hope that the Syrian government would acknowledge Türkiye's calls for peace.
   
SOUNDBITE (Turkish): HAKAN FIDAN, Turkish Foreign Minister 
"The current atmosphere in the region prioritizes peace and stability. There is a strong impetus driving us to actively pursue peace. This appeal holds great significance, and I hope it resonates and receives a positive response."
   
Previously, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that there is no reason not to restore relations with Syria, stating, "Just as we previously collaborated in advancing our ties with Syria, we will proceed together in a similar manner."
  
After the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in March 2011, Turkey's relations with Syria have become significantly strained. Ankara has aligned itself with several opposition groups against the Syrian government.
   
Since 2015, Türkiye has launched several military operations in Syria, accusing the Syrian government of supporting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, a Kurdish rebel group designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye.
   
The Turkish leader on Saturday announced the imminent conclusion of Turkish forces' operation against the Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq and Syria. "In Syria, we will complete the missing links of the security belt along our southern border, based on Syria's territorial integrity," said Erdogan.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)