Türkiye congratulates Syria on anniversary of Assad regime's fall

Türkiye has issued a formal statement congratulating Syria on the first anniversary marking the end of its civil war and the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The Turkish Foreign Ministry, in its declaration on Monday, extended "wholehearted" congratulations to the Syrian people on what it termed their "Liberation Day," commemorating December 8, 2024.

Praise for Syria's Post-Conflict Governance

The ministry's statement acknowledged the significant challenges faced by Syria over the past year. It commended the Syrian government for pursuing "a prudent and peaceful foreign policy" and taking steps toward securing a respected position in the international community. This diplomatic language signals Ankara's approval of the transitional administration's direction under President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Ankara's Pledge of Continued Support

Crucially, the statement underlined Türkiye's ongoing commitment to its southern neighbor. It explicitly affirmed that Ankara "will continue to support efforts to establish security, stability and prosperity in Syria." This pledge is central to Türkiye's foreign policy, which prioritizes a stable and cooperative Syria to ensure its own border security and facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

Historical Context of the Transition

The anniversary references the dramatic political shift that occurred in December of the previous year, when Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia after ruling for nearly 25 years. This event ended the decades-long Baath Party regime, which had held power since 1963, and led to the formation of a new transitional government in Damascus. Türkiye's proactive diplomatic engagement reflects its strategic priority of fostering a peaceful and predictable environment on its border.