Türkiye’s head of communications has said that recent positive developments in Syria represent steps towards Türkiye's "Terror-Free Region" goal, emphasising that Ankara prioritises peace, stability, prosperity and economic co-operation across the region.
Speaking at a panel organised by the Communications Directorate to mark the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Malazgirt, Burhanettin Duran said Türkiye opposes aggression and expansionism and will continue working for regional peace.
"The positive developments in Syria are steps taken towards Türkiye's Terror-Free Region goal,” he stressed, adding: “Türkiye prioritises stability, peace, prosperity and economic co-operation in the region. It is against aggression and expansionism.”
"Those who seek to obstruct our efforts for peace, co-operation, justice and stability will not succeed," he warned.
Duran said Türkiye had paid a heavy price over many years in its fight against terrorism but is now taking determined steps under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership to eliminate terrorism from both the country and the wider region.
He said the "Terror-Free Türkiye, Terror-Free Region" process had been given a legal framework through the Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration, recently passed by parliament.
"The process will continue with the support of the public and, God willing, will be successfully completed," he said.
Duran added that Türkiye's march towards its "Century of Türkiye" goals would continue despite growing global uncertainty and attempts to sow instability in the region.
"Those who have been condemned by the conscience of the entire world for dragging the region into instability, disregarding international law and targeting civilians will never be able to prevent Türkiye's progress," he said.
Referring to Syria and the broader region, Duran said Türkiye is working to strengthen what he described as a policy of brotherhood.
"The Republic of Türkiye says that history has made us brothers across our entire geography of shared culture and heritage, from Syria to Iraq, from Lebanon to Palestine, from the Gulf to Africa and from the Balkans to the Caucasus," he said.
Duran also linked regional unity to the legacy of the 1071 Battle of Malazgirt, once known as Manzikert, saying the spirit of unity established there continues to form the foundation of the Turkish nation.
"The unity established on the Plain of Malazgirt in 1071 still forms the very essence of this nation,” he said.
“As long as that spirit of unity endures, those who seek to make calculations over Anatolia and those who try to cast a shadow over our nation's existence will never achieve their aims.”
He added that Türkiye is confidently preparing for the coming decades as a strong state, stressing that it will continue to defend regional stability, peace, security and regional ownership.
