Other than "normalizing" relations, what does the Syrian President want to do with Türkiye?

On July 15, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed interest in improving relations with Türkiye, but stressed Damascus's preconditions.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that the nature of relations with Turkey is normal . (Source: Reuters)

Arab TV channel Al Mayadeen quoted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as saying he was ready to meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and "has no objection to any other meeting or measures, as long as it brings positive results for both countries".

Mr. al-Assad revealed that officials from both countries are arranging a meeting through intermediaries and Damascus will make any meeting public, but noted that the important thing is the content of the meeting, because while this may be a means to an end, the failure of this means at some stage could lead to worse results.

In addition, the Syrian president opposed the term "normalization" between his country and Türkiye, arguing that a relationship with the neighboring country that has lasted for centuries is inherently normal, instead using the phrase "natural relationship".

The leader said that if we want to achieve "natural relations" with Ankara, all abnormal factors such as occupation, terrorism, violations of international law and disrespect for the sovereignty of neighboring countries and other states must be addressed and eliminated.

Once the abnormal elements are removed, "the relationship will become as natural as before the civil war (2011) without the need for normalization and without the need for coercive measures".

Previously, on July 13, the Syrian Foreign Ministry also reaffirmed that reconciliation with Türkiye depends on returning to the status quo before the 2011 civil war, on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, along with addressing all threats to the security and stability of both countries.

The statement comes amid growing prospects for a restoration of Damascus-Ankara relations. Earlier this month, President Erdogan expressed his willingness to mend ties with Syria, stressing Türkiye’s desire to return bilateral ties to their previous levels.

Türkiye and Syria severed formal diplomatic relations in 2012 over Türkiye's support for anti-government opposition groups.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/khong-phai-la-binh-thuong-hoa-quan-he-dieu-tong-thong-syria-muon-lam-voi-tho-nhi-ky-la-gi-278837.html