Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has welcomed the end of the 54-year-long Assad era in Syria, following the seizure of Damascus by anti-regime groups. In a social media post, Yılmaz declared, “Syria belongs to the Syrians!” emphasizing the importance of a new chapter for the Syrian people.

In his first comments since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Syrian people would reshape their country’s future.

Fidan, who was in Qatar’s Doha for an event and talks with Russian and Iranian diplomats on Syria over the weekend, held a news conference in the city on Sunday.

Highlighting the dawn of a transformative period for the region, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz called on external powers to avoid actions that could undermine Syria’s stability.

He stressed the need for political and economic reconstruction, ensuring the unity, stability, and harmony of the Syrian people.

“The conditions for all Syrian citizens—regardless of religion, sect, or ethnicity—to live together in peace must be swiftly established, while safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Yılmaz stated.

He added that creating a secure and economically viable environment in Syria would pave the way for the dignified, safe, and voluntary return of millions of displaced Syrians.

Yılmaz also underscored the importance of eliminating threats posed by terrorist organizations to Türkiye as a key priority in this new era.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to peace and cooperation, Yılmaz said, “As in their most challenging times, we will stand in solidarity with the entire Syrian people today and in the future. Türkiye will closely monitor developments and continue to work for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that regional actors and others should be calm and cautious and the region should not be driven into more instability.

The top diplomat highlighted the need for a smooth transition in his country’s southern neighbour and said they were open to working with the people of Syria to ensure it.

He added that the “new Syria” should not pose a threat to its neighbours.

“The new government should be inclusive of all sides and the anti-regime forces should unite,” Fidan told reporters in Doha.