Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated on Thursday that Syria’s decision to recognize Kosovo’s independence was expected, given that the government in Damascus is now, according to him, under strong Turkish influence.
Vučić claimed that the move “bears Turkey’s stamp”, adding that it now becomes clear how much Bashar al-Assad’s “liberal approach” toward Serbia truly mattered during his tenure.
“It’s now obvious how much Assad’s liberal stance was worth to us when he led Syria. Likewise, it’s no surprise that such developments occur when a government comes to power under the major influence of one of the key regional countries, such as Turkey,” Vučić said.
Syria became the 120th country to recognize Kosovo’s independence on Wednesday.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani credited Turkey for facilitating this recognition, underscoring Ankara’s growing diplomatic role in the region.
