Assad's cautious stance on strengthening relations with Turkey and the Arab world

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad downplayed expectations for closer ties with the Arab world and ruled out a summit with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in his first televised interview since Syria's membership in the Arab League was restored. Assad stated that economic gains from renewed relationships would not happen swiftly and blamed worsening living conditions for discouraging displaced Syrians from returning. He also denied Syrian state involvement in drug smuggling, calling it "illogical," despite recent sanctions on top Syrian officials over alleged drug smuggling.