Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed his country’s readiness to collaborate with Syria’s new administration in a joint effort to eliminate terrorist threats and restore stability in the region. Speaking last week, Erdogan stressed the importance of solidarity between Turkey and Syria, calling for an end to foreign interference.
“Everyone must take their hands off the region,” Erdogan said, as reported by Anadolu Agency. “We, with our Syrian brothers, are capable of crushing ISIS, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), and other terrorist organizations in a short time.”
Renewed Commitment Against Terrorism
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s stance against the YPG, the Syrian extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) – a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, NATO, and several other nations.
“The terrorist organization YPG, which plunders Syria’s natural resources, will not escape the imminent painful fate unless it dissolves itself and lays down its arms,” Erdogan warned.
The Turkish president underscored Turkey’s role as a guarantor of security for Kurdish communities in Syria, pledging to address their needs while maintaining the territorial unity of Syria.
Strengthening Syrian-Turkish Ties
Erdogan’s comments come as high-level meetings between Turkey and Syria signal a thaw in relations. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Ankara on Wednesday, marking the first official visit by a Syrian delegation since the establishment of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG).
During talks with Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, both sides emphasized the necessity of eradicating terrorism, supporting the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, and bolstering regional stability.
Al-Shaibani expressed gratitude for Turkey’s continued support. “We will represent the new Syria tomorrow in the first official visit to the Turkish Republic, which has not abandoned the Syrian people for 14 years,” he stated on the social media platform X.
A Unified Approach
Both nations are aligned in their efforts to dismantle what Erdogan referred to as the SDF project, a term used by Ankara to describe the YPG’s aspirations for territorial autonomy in Syria. Erdogan vowed that Turkey would take decisive steps to resolve this issue.
“From now on, the future of the region will be determined by its people, and natural resources will be in the hands of the real owners of the region,” Erdogan said during a recent speech. He also stressed the failure of external powers to divide Syria, citing the collapse of the Baath regime as a pivotal moment for regional sovereignty.
Al-Sharaa’s Expected Visit to Turkey
The leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is expected to visit Turkey soon, marking his first foreign trip since assuming office. The visit underscores the deepening ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to combating terrorism and fostering regional cooperation.
Erdogan welcomed the prospect of stronger relations, emphasizing Turkey’s willingness to assist Syria’s reconstruction and political unification efforts. “President Erdogan has issued instructions to support Syria in everything it needs to achieve progress,” said Fidan following a recent meeting in Damascus.
Regional Stability & Refugee Returns
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, stating that the recovery of Syria would naturally encourage displaced people to return. “We do not forcibly displace anyone like tyrants, and we will not allow a handful of racist fanatics to cast a shadow over Turkish-Syrian solidarity,” he said.
As both nations chart a new path forward, their cooperation is poised to address longstanding challenges, including terrorism, refugee resettlement, and regional stability.
