Turkish-European Agreement to Enhance Counterterrorism Efforts and Facilitate the Safe Return of Syrian Refugees

Turkish and European officials have agreed to enhance mutual cooperation to support efforts to end terrorism and unrest in Syria, and to create favorable conditions for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their country.

This agreement came during a meeting held in Istanbul, chaired by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and European Commissioner for Migration Affairs, Mágnus Bróner, where the two sides discussed migration and security issues.

The statement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Interior emphasized that the stability and prosperity of Syria are in the interest of the entire region, including Turkey and the European Union.

The focus was also on combating migrant smuggling, organized crime, and cross-border terrorism.

Minister Yerlikaya pointed out that Turkey is no longer a target country for migration or a transit point, with a clear increase in the voluntary and organized return of Syrians to their country safely, amid what he described as the "collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime," emphasizing his country's commitment to international laws and human rights.