Int’l efforts crucial for Syrian refugees’ return: MGK

Türkiye has underlined the importance of international cooperation for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland amid talks with Damascus to normalize the bilateral ties.

The message was conveyed through Türkiye's top security board, the National Security Council (MGK), which was convened under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan late on June 8.

"The importance of the international cooperation that would contribute to the efforts for the volunteer, safe and honorable return of Syrians who fled the armed conflict has been underlined," read a written statement after the three-hour meeting. It was the first meeting of the MGK following the parliamentary and presidential polls.

According to the statement, MGK members discussed seven main titles, including Syria with which Türkiye is in the process of normalizing ties after a decade of hostility. The two countries' defense, foreign ministers as well as intelligence chiefs held several meetings in the past six months under the mediation of Russia and Iran. The next meeting is expected to take place in Moscow in the coming weeks at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

The normalization process also covered the return of around 3.6 million Syrians to their country. Damascus says it wants them to return but that more talks are needed to make it happen, Ankara says.

Ankara-Damascus talks also focus on security issues, particularly the presence of YPG terrorists along the border.

"Protecting the territorial integrity of Syria and establishing lasting peace and stability is possible only by clearing the country of the terror organizations," the MGK said.

Fight against terror to continue

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