Erdogan receives Mikati in Ankara: Syria's stability and rejection of Israeli attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday "for this strong leadership stance," stressing that "we cannot separate Lebanon's security from the security and stability of the region," in reference to developments in Syria.

He stressed that "Türkiye will stand by Lebanon against Israel's attacks." He also affirmed that "the two countries will stand by the Syrian people at this moment they are going through."

During a joint press conference with Mikati, the Turkish President stressed the necessity of "Israel's commitment to the ceasefire and pressure on it by the United Nations and the international community to abide by its promises, and we will monitor this matter closely."

He stressed that "our priorities are to achieve stability in Syria and return it to normal in the next phase and to form a permanent and continuous administration, and this is important for the Syrians and the region."

Erdogan said, "Lebanon and Turkey will stand by Syria for its renaissance in the next stage, and we will work as we have done in the past for the sake of our neighbors, and we will continue to support Syria's stability, and the international community must do the same to ensure the stability and security of the region."

For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati addressed Erdogan, saying, "Your personal love for Lebanon and our close personal relations will open many doors for cooperation and assistance."

He stressed that "the Israeli aggression against Lebanon continues militarily directly through daily violations of the ceasefire commitments paper."

Extended conversations

Regarding the way to achieve this, Erdogan said: “In order to be free, we must be the original and develop original ideas and projects. We must chart our own course not only in politics and diplomacy, but also in the fields of science and technology.”

“Just as we do not adhere to the patterns imposed on us in politics, foreign policy and defense, and go beyond the roles assigned to us, we strive to write our own story in science and technology with our national technological movement,” he added. “We want to stop being a country that depends on others in technology, science, art and thought, and instead work to mobilize our opportunities, resources and potential at the highest level. God willing, we will make our vision of an independent Turkey in all fields a reality as soon as possible,” he stressed.

New Arab