Syria's Consulate General in Gaziantep has reopened after 15 years. The opening ceremony took place in the Güvenevler neighborhood of the central Şehitkamil district.
Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Özel expressed his pleasure at being in Gaziantep during the ceremony. Özel emphasized Gaziantep's special place in Turkish history and the struggle for independence, noting that the city has become one of the strongest centers where the brotherhood between Turkey and Syria is felt today.
Emphasis on expanding diplomatic representation
Özel stated that the ties developing between Gaziantep and cities in Syria following the establishment of the new government led by President Ahmed Shara made the reopening even more meaningful. He recalled that Syria's Consulate General in Gaziantep operated between 2005 and 2011 but was closed due to the civil war in Syria, and has now reopened after approximately 15 years.
Özel noted that the consulate would help meet the consular needs of Syrians living in Gaziantep and its surroundings. He also mentioned that Turkey has reactivated its embassy in Damascus and consulate general in Aleppo. Özel added that efforts to expand diplomatic representation continue in line with growing political, commercial, economic, cultural, and other relations with Syria.
Özel highlighted that Turkey's goal is to establish lasting stability, peace, and prosperity in neighboring Syria during this turbulent period in the region, emphasizing that this is also crucial for peace and security in Turkey and the wider region.
Sheybani: This reopening is a natural continuation
Syria's Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani also expressed his pleasure at being in Gaziantep. Sheybani described the reopening as a natural continuation of a homeland rising with honor and a return of state institutions to their fundamental role of serving citizens.
He further stated that this development serves as a bridge strengthening the deep-rooted neighborly and cooperative relations between the peoples of Syria and Turkey.
During the ceremony, Syria's Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani raised the Syrian flag. The event 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.
