Japanese envoy hails Turkey's efforts for Syrian people

By Mehmet Fatih Aslan

SANLIURFA, Turkey (AA) - Japanese ambassador to Turkey Akio Miyajima on Tuesday praised Ankara's efforts for Syrian people.

"I wish peace to come to Syria as soon as possible. I am proud of Turkish government and people. I think that their warm attitude towards their Syrian guests is splendid," Miyajima said in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa on Syria border.

Miyajima said Japan will continue to stand with Turkey in its aid efforts for Syrian people.

Turkey hosts around 3.6 million Syrians who fled the seven-year devastating civil war, more than any other country in the world.

The country has spent more than $32 billion from its own national resources for helping and sheltering Syrians since the beginning of the Syrian civil war.

Syria has only just begun to emerge from a devastating conflict that began in 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected ferocity.