Thank you, Mr. President,

I would also like to express my appreciation to Deputy High Representative Mr. Ebo for his briefing.

Mr. President,

Last month, the Syrian people marked the first anniversary of their liberation with a sense of hope and optimism.

We recognize the steps, reforms, and efforts taken by the Syrian government and welcome its commitment to stability, effective governance, and the well-being of its people.

Amid these encouraging developments, much remains to be accomplished.

Foremost among the priorities is addressing the issue of chemical weapons, which continue to be a source of serious international concern.

Following years of systematic obstruction and deliberate non-compliance by the former regime, the political developments since 8 December 2024 have created a meaningful opportunity for renewed engagement with the OPCW and for establishing a more constructive and effective working relationship on the ground.

We welcome the Syrian government’s expressed readiness to address this critical matter. We also welcome the appointment of a new Syrian representative to the OPCW.

Mr. President,

Resolving the longstanding issues related to Syria’s chemical weapons programme and ensuring sustained compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention are of utmost importance.

Recent findings from on-site deployments underscore both the gravity of the threat and the urgency of decisive action.

Meanwhile, landmines, explosive ordnance, and hazards linked to former chemical weapons activities continue to endanger civilians and hinder stabilization, reconstruction, and the safe, voluntary return of refugees and IDPs.

Eliminating the remaining chemical weapons capabilities in Syria is not only a legal obligation under the Chemical Weapons Convention, but also a critical imperative for regional security and a humanitarian priority.

The Syrian government cannot do this alone. The scope, complexity, and technical requirements of this task exceed Syria’s current national capabilities, operational means, and financial resources.

The international community now has a historic opportunity to assist Syria in overcoming the immense challenges inherited from the past. Sustained, long-term international support will be essential in the period ahead to ensure the success of the Syrian Government’s efforts to eliminate all remaining chemical weapons remnants in the country.

Türkiye is ready to do its part as it has done until now.

We will continue to stand by Syria and the OPCW to achieve this shared objective.

We will also maintain close consultations with the Syrian government to strengthen its medical preparedness and physical capacity of the field assessment teams.

Mr. President,

Israel’s continued airstrikes and hybrid military activities in Syria hinder our joint efforts to this end.

These irresponsible attacks have damaged former chemical weapons-related sites, increased the cost and risk of destruction planning, endangered local populations, and jeopardized the safety and freedom of movement of OPCW missions and personnel.

To achieve our shared objective of genuine stability in Syria and the wider region, the international community must ensure that such actions are restrained.

Mr. President,

In closing, we reiterate our support for Syrian-led and Syrian-owned initiatives to identify, secure, declare and destroy chemical weapons-related materials in cooperation with OPCW and relevant stakeholders.

We encourage all members states to lend their full support in achieving a region free from chemical weapons.

I thank you.