ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that scores of Syrians have returned to the northern regions of their homeland that were cleared of terrorists by Turkish forces.

Erdogan and members of the High Advisory Board held a three-hour meeting at the presidential complex in Ankara where they discussed Turkiye's migration management and matters concerning foreign nationals in Turkiye, according to a statement by Communications Director Fahrettin Altun.

The president said the Turkish state has never turned its back on those in need during times of crisis and the belief, culture, and values of the Turkish people would never favor any xenophobic attitude toward foreigners.

He stressed that more than half a million Syrians have returned to northern Syrian territories that were made stable and safe following Turkish counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Erdogan also noted that more Syrians would return to the region after new settlement areas are built with the help of international funding.