Following the meeting, the council released a statement highlighting the importance of international cooperation for the voluntary return of Syrians to their home country and addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The statement issued by the council marks the first explicit acknowledgment of discussing the return of Syrian refugees during its regular bimonthly meetings. With approximately 4 million Syrians currently seeking refuge in Türkiye due to the civil war, the council stressed the significance of international collaboration to ensure their safe and dignified return, enabling them to rebuild their lives in peace and prosperity.

Furthermore, the National Security Council indirectly referenced ongoing high-level talks without explicitly mentioning them. The statement emphasized that maintaining Syria's territorial integrity and achieving lasting peace and stability require clearing the country of terrorist organizations. This statement can be seen as a veiled criticism of the Syrian government's persistent demand for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria.

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the statement underscored the increasing risks in the region as a result of the ongoing war. Türkiye expressed its commitment to contributing to efforts aimed at resolving the conflicts, initiating peace talks, and ensuring global food security.

The National Security Council's discussion on the voluntary return of Syrian refugees and the recognition of the challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict reflect Türkiye's ongoing efforts to address these critical regional issues. (ILKHA)