Erdogan and Mikati announce joint approach to post-Assad Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Wednesday that Turkey and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on addressing the evolving situation in Syria, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, ousted by an Islamist-led rebel coalition. 

Erdogan made these remarks during a joint press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who is currently on an official visit to Turkey.

“A new era has begun in Syria. We have agreed that we must act together as two significant neighbors of Syria,” Erdogan stated. “The stability of Syria determines the stability of the region,” he added, emphasizing that rebuilding the war-ravaged country will be a priority. “This is a crucial period where unity, solidarity, and reconciliation are essential.”

On December 8, a coalition of rebel groups led by the Islamist faction Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized power in Syria, toppling President Assad, who fled to Moscow after over 20 years of authoritarian rule. This shift has triggered significant regional implications, prompting Turkey and Lebanon to coordinate their response.

Erdogan underscored the inseparability of Lebanon’s security from regional stability, pledging Turkey’s continued support to Lebanon in the face of Israeli aggression.

“Turkey will stand by Lebanon against Israeli aggression,” Erdogan declared, while calling on Israel to respect the ceasefire agreed with Hezbollah. He also urged the United Nations and the international community to press Israel to fulfill its obligations.

For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude for Erdogan’s personal commitment to Lebanon:

“Your affection for Lebanon and our strong personal ties will open many doors for cooperation and assistance,” Mikati said, adding that “Israel’s aggression against Lebanon continues through daily violations.”

The ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, in effect since November 27, has ended over 13 months of hostilities and two months of escalating tensions across Lebanon.