Turkiye is “closely” following diplomatic initiatives seeking an end to Israel’s attacks and occupation, said the nation’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, Anadolu reports.
“We assessed how Turkiye could contribute to these efforts. We also discussed opportunities to further develop our bilateral relations in various fields. We believe that the growing dialogue between Lebanon and Syria will benefit both countries. We stand ready to make the necessary contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries, which have had a difficult past,” Erdogan said during a joint news conference with visiting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Following the withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Turkiye wants to play an active role in all initiatives aimed at safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty, Erdogan added.
The Turkish president said that he is very pleased to host Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Turkiye and thanked him for making the first visit to Türkiye by a Lebanese head of state in 17 years.
Noting that Aoun is also a highly experienced military leader, Erdogan said he regarded Aoun’s election as president earlier this year as a significant step toward strengthening security in Lebanon and wished him success in his tenure.
Recalling Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s visit to Istanbul earlier this month, Erdogan said today’s meeting with Aoun addressed regional developments, “particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon.”
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“We continue our strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our friend and brother Lebanon, with which we share deep ties,” he added.
Erdogan noted that Lebanon has long endured the consequences of serving as a battleground for regional rivalries and conflicts.
He added that Lebanon would be among the countries to benefit most from the environment of stability, peace and cooperation that Türkiye has sought to establish in the Middle East from the beginning.
Aoun said on Wednesday that discussions are continuing over a possible international force to replace the UN force in southern Lebanon, with proposals including European, Turkish, NATO-backed, Arab, and Islamic participation.
He said Lebanon’s priority is preventing a power vacuum and ensuring that any new force supports the Lebanese army, safeguards stability, and respects national sovereignty.
Turkiye has previously contributed to the naval wing of UNIFIL, the current UN force.
Pointing out that the death toll in Lebanon has exceeded 4,300 since March 2, 2026, while more than 2,000 people have been injured and 1 million have been forced to flee their homes, Erdogan once again offered his condolences to the Lebanese people.
“Turkiye has been among the countries to respond most strongly to the attacks from the first day,” he noted.
“We will continue our support for strengthening Lebanon’s institutional capacity and also maintain our humanitarian and technical assistance,” said Erdogan.
Turkiye stands ready to provide “all possible support” for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon after the Israeli attacks end, he added.
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