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 in 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.
With AFP
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