Cairo:During the summit of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation on Thursday, the leaders of Turkey and Iran emphasized the need for unity in Syria following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey, traditionally opposed to Assad’s regime, and Iran, a supporter of his rule, voiced their calls for reconciliation in Syria amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Addressing the summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the restoration of Syria’s “territorial integrity and unity,” stressing the importance of a Syria free from terrorism where all religious and ethnic groups could coexist peacefully. He highlighted the necessity for reconciliation within the country.
Similarly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian advocated for inclusive governance in Syria, emphasizing that all Syrian factions should have a role in the country’s future government while respecting diverse religious and cultural beliefs. He also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria, stressing the importance of preventing further harm to the affected regions.
This summit was notably held against the backdrop of regional instability, with ongoing tensions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Pezeshkian’s visit to Egypt marked the first time an Iranian president had visited since Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s trip in 2013, signaling a thaw in relations between Iran and Egypt. Diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have been increasing, with recent visits by Iranian and Egyptian officials.
