Tel aviv: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed bilateral relations and regional matters, Trkiye's Communications Directorate announced on Tuesday. During their phone conversation, Erdogan emphasized Trkiye's continued support for Lebanon's stability and sovereignty.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted the significant potential for collaboration between the two nations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. He expressed Ankara's readiness to contribute to international mechanisms aimed at enhancing Lebanon's security. Additionally, Erdogan underscored Trkiye's opposition to what he described as 'Israel's aggressive posture toward Lebanon,' as stated in the official communication.
The context of the discussion is rooted in the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, reached in November 2024, following over a year of cross-border hostilities linked to the war in Gaza. The conflict resulted in over 4,000 casualties and 17,000 injuries. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces were slated to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January, but have only partially done so, retaining a presence at five border outposts.
On the issue of Turkish Cypriots, Erdogan expressed Trkiye's expectation for Lebanon to adopt a stance that protects their rights and interests. Cyprus remains divided between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, despite numerous UN-led settlement efforts. Historical tensions date back to intercommunal violence in the 1960s and the Turkish military intervention in 1974 following a Greek Cypriot coup attempt. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was declared in 1983, and peace efforts have been sporadic since, with the last significant talks in Switzerland in 2017.
Regarding Syria, Erdogan reiterated Trkiye's commitment to supporting positive developments within the country to foster broader regional stability. Despite a lack of direct threat from the Syrian government, Israeli forces have conducted numerous airstrikes and cross-border raids into Syria, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Since December 2024, Israel has carried out over 1,000 airstrikes and more than 400 incursions into southern Syria. Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, Israel expanded its occupation of the Golan Heights, violating a 1974 agreement with Syria.