Turkey will host the Second Conference of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People on 1 April 2012 in İstanbul.

Member states of the United Nations Security Council and the countries that voted in favour for the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Syria as well as international and regional organizations were invited to the conference. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr, Ahmet Davutoğlu will make opening remarks at the conference. On the other hand, Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will deliver a keynote address.

During the conference, participants will exchange views on opening up the way for a comprehensive political transition process in accordance with the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Syrian people and will address the efforts of Mr. Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy for Syria.

Moreover, putting an end to the violence in Syria, withdrawal of all Syrian military and armed forces from cities and towns, overcoming the humanitarian crisis, providing humanitarian access to people in need and sanctions against Syria will be discussed and possible additional measures will be considered.

Turkey will decisively continue to spare no endeavors to stop immediately the bloodshed and tears in Syria and to participate actively in such international efforts.