“I hope this cease-fire will turn into a sustainable peace that would prevent further bloodshed and the killing of civilians, innocents and children," Binali Yildirim told reporters after Friday prayers in the capital Ankara.

He added that he hopes "2017 will bring peace, tranquility, and brotherhood to the region.”

The Assad regime and the main Syrian opposition groups agreed to a nationwide cease-fire which started last night at midnight.

Turkey and the Russian Federation will act as guarantor countries in supporting the cease-fire, which also includes comprehensive peace talks in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana.  

Yildirim stated that all fighting parties, except terrorist groups, would shake hands and start working together for the future of their country and prosperity of their people.

He added that the international community, including the U.S., UN, and coalition forces, as well as local factions are part of this peace process.

 aa