Türkiye’s Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, delivered a strong message of unity, peace, and partnership at a major panel held in the Syrian capital on Tuesday.

The event, titled “Cooperation on the Path to Peace and Stability: Türkiye–Syria Brotherhood,” was organized by Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications and brought together a wide range of participants including officials, academics, journalists, and civil society representatives from both nations.

In his official address, Altun emphasized that the relationship between Türkiye and Syria is based not only on geographical proximity, but more importantly on shared cultural, religious, and historical values.

“Our bond with Syria is not just a matter of borders,” said Altun. “It is a brotherhood shaped by centuries of shared heritage.”

He noted the painful legacy of the Baath regime, which he described as having caused immense suffering through widespread repression, massacres, and displacement. “The Baath regime has thankfully come to an end,” Altun stated, voicing hope for a new Syrian future built on peace, prosperity, and dignity.

Altun highlighted Türkiye’s consistent support for the Syrian people, particularly under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership. During the height of Syria’s civil war, Türkiye provided extensive humanitarian assistance, from emergency healthcare and education to housing and employment opportunities for displaced Syrians—both inside Türkiye and in northern Syria.

He praised the role of Turkish institutions such as the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), as well as numerous non-governmental organizations, for their vital contributions in humanitarian relief and reconstruction.

Altun also pointed to recent developments in Türkiye-Syria relations as signs of positive momentum. These include the reopening of Türkiye’s Embassy in Damascus, the activation of its Consulate General in Aleppo, and the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to the Syrian capital. He stated that both countries are working to increase cooperation in areas such as trade, civil aviation, energy, health, and education.

Another important focus, Altun said, is cooperation in the field of media and public diplomacy. He announced joint efforts between Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications and Syria’s Ministry of Information to counter disinformation and foster mutual understanding.

“We are working closely to ensure that the voice of the new Syrian administration, and its genuine intentions for peace, are heard both regionally and internationally,” he said.

The panel featured a series of in-depth discussions on strategies to rebuild Syria’s social peace and national unity, with a strong emphasis on the role of media in shaping public awareness. Participants from across the region exchanged insights on how to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate Syria’s recovery.

The event concluded with a screening of the documentary “The Syrian Conflict: Türkiye’s Peace Diplomacy,” produced by the Directorate of Communications, showcasing Türkiye’s role in supporting Syria’s humanitarian and diplomatic recovery efforts.

Altun reaffirmed that Türkiye will continue to stand with Syria in rebuilding its future, calling this mission both a “humanitarian duty” and a “historical responsibility.” He expressed confidence that events like the Damascus panel would contribute significantly to the goals of regional peace and shared prosperity. (ILKHA)