Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday reaffirmed Ankara’s firm stance against the presence of armed groups operating outside the authority of Syria’s central government.
Zero Tolerance for Armed Groups Beyond Damascus’ Control
Speaking at a joint press conference in Doha with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Fidan stressed that Turkey will not accept any initiative that seeks to preserve terrorist organizations such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate, the People’s Defense Units (YPG).
“We do not accept any initiative that sustains terrorist organizations in Syria,” Fidan said. “Just as ISIS has been eliminated, so too will the PKK be removed—whether through peaceful means or otherwise.”
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, remains a central issue in Ankara’s Syria policy. Fidan emphasized that Turkey’s position is unwavering: Syria’s territorial integrity must be respected, and no foreign-backed armed group should be allowed to undermine regional stability.
Turkey and Qatar Strengthen Cooperation on Syrian Reconstruction
Beyond security concerns, Fidan and Al-Thani discussed efforts to support humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Syria. Fidan noted that Turkey and Qatar are coordinating closely to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and to assist in rebuilding the country.
“We are continuing our cooperation to support Syria’s reconstruction,” Fidan said, highlighting joint initiatives aimed at easing international sanctions on Syria. According to Anadolu Agency, both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding Syria’s sovereignty and to assisting its reintegration into the international community.
Turkey Closely Monitoring SDF-Syrian Government Agreement
Fidan also addressed the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, noting that Turkey is carefully observing its implementation. Ankara views the SDF as an extension of the PKK in Syria.
“We expect the agreement between the SDF and Syrian authorities to be fully implemented,” Fidan said, warning that the failure to dismantle terrorist elements from Syria’s political structure would threaten regional stability.
Toward a Unified, Terror-Free Syria
In closing, Fidan outlined Turkey’s strategic vision for Syria: a sovereign, united country free of terrorism and foreign influence. “The Syrian people have endured immense suffering for years,” Fidan said. “We remain committed to contributing to a future where Syrians can look ahead with hope.”
Turkey’s position, backed by Qatar, reflects a broader regional effort to advance political and economic solutions for Syria while ensuring that armed non-state actors do not derail the country’s fragile recovery.
