Syria's Consulate General in Gaziantep has reopened after 15 years. Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Özel expressed his pleasure to be in Gaziantep at the opening ceremony of Syria's Consulate General located in the Güvenevler neighborhood of the Şehitkamil district.
Özel emphasized Gaziantep's unique place in Turkish history and the struggle for independence, stating, "This distinguished city, in addition to its many riches, has become one of the centers where the brotherhood between Turkey and Syria is most strongly felt today."
Following the establishment of the new government in Syria led by President Ahmed Shara, Özel noted that the strong ties Gaziantep quickly developed with Syrian cities made this reopening ceremony even more meaningful, adding:
"Within this context, after operating between 2005 and 2011, Syria’s Consulate General in Gaziantep was closed due to the civil war in Syria. Its reopening after nearly 15 years, personally inaugurated by Foreign Minister Esad Sheybani, brings us great joy.
We firmly believe that the consulate will not only meet the consular needs of our Syrian brothers residing in Gaziantep and its surroundings but also strengthen the solidarity between our peoples. Immediately after the fall of the oppressive Assad regime in Syria, Turkey reactivated its embassy in Damascus and consulate in Aleppo.
In line with the spirit of our growing political, commercial, economic, cultural, and other relations with our brother country Syria, we continue to expand our diplomatic representation in Syria."
Özel praised the Syrian government under President Shara for its commendable steps to regain Syria’s rightful place in the international community and to advance brotherly relations with Turkey. He also highlighted Turkey’s intensive efforts, involving all public institutions, private sector, and civil society, to support Syria’s reconstruction.
Emphasizing that relations with Syria are being advanced multidimensionally and on a stronger legal basis, Özel stated, "Our goal is to establish lasting stability, peace, and prosperity in our neighbor Syria, which maintains its territorial integrity and unity, especially during this turbulent period in our region.
We will continue working with our Syrian brothers to realize this goal, which we believe is essential not only for Syria but also for the peace and security of our country and the region. Gaziantep holds great importance in terms of economic, commercial, cultural, and people-to-people ties with Syria. Along with other border provinces, it serves as one of Turkey’s gateways to Syria."
Syria’s Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani also expressed his pleasure to be in Gaziantep, stating, "This reopening is not only a natural continuation of a homeland rising with pride but also a clear expression of the state institutions’ strong return to their fundamental role of protecting and serving their citizens.
At the same time, this development serves as a solid bridge further strengthening the deep-rooted neighborly and cooperative relations between the peoples of Syria and Turkey." The ceremony was attended by Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin, Damascus Ambassador Nuh Yılmaz, Syria’s Consul General in Gaziantep Ali Cemalettin Mustafa, and other guests.
During the ceremony, Syria’s Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani raised the Syrian flag. Chemical alarm at the Pentagon: Many floors evacuated.
