Thank you Mr. President,

Syria remains a central and painful chapter in the ongoing crises affecting the Middle East.

While the focus often shifts to emerging crises, the unresolved situation in Syria continues to demand the urgent attention of the international community.

The situation in the broader region has worsened the humanitarian crisis and triggered mass displacement.

Since the recent escalation of hostilities and Israel’s destabilizing actions across the region, we have seen a sharp increase in displacement to Syria.

More than half a million people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria, according to UNHCR.

Alarmingly, 71% of the displaced are Syrians, with women and children making up the majority—children alone represent over half.

In such dire circumstances, the international community must shoulder its responsibilities.

Yet, humanitarian efforts remain underfunded.

As Director Wosornu has warned, the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan faces critical funding shortfalls, which threaten the ability to deliver life-saving assistance.

Donors must step up and avoid any further cuts to funding and support early recovery efforts.

The uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid remains vital, particularly in view of the new waves of migration that brings an additional strain.

Türkiye is fully committed to facilitating these efforts and will continue to ensure assistance reaches those in need.

Mr. President,

Türkiye is fully committed to Syria’s territorial integrity and unity.
Yet, Syria's already bleak humanitarian and political situation is further aggravated by terrorism.

The presence of terrorist organizations within Syria undermines the country’s unity and territorial integrity while posing a direct threat to Türkiye’s national security. No country can stand idle by repeated terrorist attacks to its territory and people.

Indeed, the October 23rd deadly terrorist attack in Ankara underscored the urgent need to root out terrorist elements in Syria.

The terrorists that are members of PKK/YPG/SDF, infiltrated Türkiye from Syrian territory. I would like to emphasize that Türkiye is entitled to take appropriate measures against this direct and imminent threat in accordance with its inherent right of self-defence.

Türkiye’s counter-terrorism operations exclusively target terrorists and their capabilities and utmost care is accorded to avoid any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

A truly unified effort is needed to combat terrorism in all its forms without distinction.

Eliminating these threats is a prerequisite for achieving stability in Syria and the region.

Madam/Mr. President,

The escalating violence in the Middle East threatens to engulf Syria further.

It is imperative to insulate Syria from additional destabilizing actions and to work collectively toward a stable and peaceful future.

Türkiye is fully committed to this goal.

We envision a Syria where:

A real and sustainable national consensus is achieved, with the international community playing a constructive role.

A unified security structure is achieved.

The safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians is guaranteed.

Regional peace is not undermined by the export of instability to neighbours.

These objectives cannot be realized without the removal of all terrorist elements, including DAESH and PKK/YPG, from Syrian territory.

Equally, the political process must be revitalized in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Current developments should not distract us from this ultimate goal.

We continue our efforts in the Astana format, among others. We also support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Pedersen to reconvene the Constitutional Committee.

Mr. President,

The Syrian conflict continues to inflict immeasurable suffering.

The international community must remain steadfast in its commitment to Syria.

Türkiye stands ready to support all initiatives aimed at achieving a credible political solution.

We will continue to work with UN agencies and relevant stakeholders to address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people.

I thank you.