Türkiye's consulate general in Aleppo, located in northwestern Syria, resumed its operations on Monday, marking a significant step in diplomatic relations between the two nations, Turkish state media reported.

In a symbolic gesture, Turkish officials raised the national flag at the consulate building, which had been closed for 13 years due to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. The reopening signals a new phase of engagement between Türkiye and Syria.

Burhan Koroglu, the acting chargé d'affaires at the Turkish embassy in Damascus, emphasized the importance of this move in fostering bilateral ties. "The Turkish diplomatic mission in Syria will contribute to the development of commercial, military, cultural, and political relations between the two countries," Koroglu said in an interview with the state-run TRT broadcaster.

Koroglu expressed optimism about the future, stating: "In the upcoming period, the relations between Türkiye and Syria will develop even further. Our brotherhood, which has lasted for over 1,000 years, will grow stronger and continue to deepen."

The consulate's reopening reflects Türkiye's intent to rebuild and strengthen its relationship with Syria amidst ongoing regional complexities. (ILKHA)