ISTANBUL, Dec 18, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
welcomed France's decision to send diplomats to Damascus after the fall of
Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in a phone call with President Emmanuel Macron, the
presidency said Wednesday.

A French delegation arrived Tuesday at the country's embassy in Damascus, the
first visit of diplomats from France since Islamist-led rebels forced Assad
to flee the country.

Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday and is constant touch
with Syria's new rulers.

Erdogan told French President Emmanuel Macron that "he was pleased" with
Paris's decision to send a diplomatic mission to Syria, his office said.

Erdogan also said efforts had begun for the return of Syrian refugees to
their country.

The international community had to cooperate to create sustainable conditions
that will enable Syrians to stay there, he added.

Turkey, home to nearly 3 million refugees, is hoping the shift in power in
Damascus will allow many of them to return to Syria.