Thank you, Madam President,

I am also grateful to United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Mr. Pedersen and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. Fletcher for their briefings, as well as Mr. Jamous, Chairman of the Syrian Negotiations Commission and Ms. Al-Kateab for their interventions. I really congratulate them for conveying the voice of their people during these 14 hardship years to the international community.

The Syrian people are at a pivotal moment in their history.

As of December 8, Syria has entered a new era, one that carries the potential to transform decades of conflict and suffering into a future marked by peace, stability, and prosperity.

After 14 years of unimaginable pain, the Syrian people are closer than ever to realizing their aspiration for a free and inclusive Syria.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges.

The next steps should be critical to rebuild a Syria that is united, inclusive, and stable—a Syria that can contribute to the stability of our entire region.

Madam President,

The primary responsibility for this transition rests with the Syrian people themselves. Their ownership of this process is paramount. As a Turkish diplomat who served in Damascus before, I am very confident on this.

A credible and legitimate transition, a Syrian led and Syrian owned process will require bold, inclusive, and determined steps toward national unity.

Inclusivity must lie at the heart of Syria's future. A new Syrian government must reflect the voices of all segments of society.

This is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity. Only an inclusive and representative political framework can foster the long-term harmony required to rebuild a united Syria.

Equally, the territorial integrity of Syria must be safeguarded under all circumstances. The fragmentation of Syria would not only jeopardize the country’s future but also destabilize an already fragile region.

A united Syria must emerge as a place where all its people can coexist peacefully, without fear of sectarian strife or discrimination. Respect for all segments of society and the rejection of sectarianism must remain guiding principles.

Madam President,

For over a decade, Türkiye has stood by the Syrian people, offering unwavering support to both those within Syria and the millions forced to seek refuge beyond its borders.

Türkiye has hosted 4 million Syrians, providing them with safety, education, and livelihoods. This is not just a testament to Türkiye’s solidarity but also a recognition that Syria’s stability is critical for the stability of the region.

The international community must now match this commitment. The devastation brought by years of conflict cannot be overcome by Syrians alone.

We need swift actions in the political and humanitarian fields. The matter of sanctions needs to be addressed. This is essential for a self-sustained, functioning state.

A comprehensive recovery plan, supported by international assistance and resources, is urgently needed to alleviate suffering, rebuild infrastructure, and create conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of millions of displaced Syrians.

Türkiye, for its part, has already reactivated its Embassy in Damascus as a step toward fostering a constructive dialogue during this transition.

Madam President,

Stability in Syria cannot be achieved without addressing the persistent threat of terrorism. Syria must not become a haven for terrorist groups that exploit the transition period to further their agendas.

In particular, the PKK/YPG/ the so called “SDF” and its affiliates remain a grave threat—not only to Syria’s unity and security but also to Türkiye’s national security and the broader region.

Their attacks, including those targeting Arab-majority regions such as Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, highlight the urgency of eradicating these groups to ensure the safety of all Syrians.

While the transitional process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, it cannot include actors like the PKK/YPG/”SDF”, whose actions undermine Syria’s territorial integrity and stability.

Türkiye will continue to take preventive measures to protect its borders and prevent these groups from exploiting the situation on the ground.

Madam President,

Türkiye remains deeply committed to Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity.

Israel’s ongoing actions and attacks seriously undermine the efforts to bring stability in Syria. These illegal actions and attacks cannot be explained by any legitimate security concern and are unacceptable. So, this Council should act accordingly.

Over the years, we have actively engaged in dialogue with regional and international partners, including through recent meetings in Doha and Aqaba, to ensure that the national reconciliation and the transitional process aligns with the principles of inclusivity and stability.

Finally, the international community must not turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the Assad regime, exemplified by the horrific images emerging from Sednaya Prison and the Damascus region.

Justice and accountability are essential to healing the wounds of the Syrian people and ensuring that such crimes are never repeated.

At this critical juncture, let us recommit to standing with the Syrian people in their pursuit of a free, inclusive, and united Syria—one that will serve as a pillar of stability for the entire region.

I thank you.