Turkiye consistently supported Syria's territorial integrity: Erdogan
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The focus in Turkiye is centered on Ankara's security concerns, particularly its opposition to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group that Turkiye views as an extension of PKK.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erodgan, during their meeting at Ankara Esenboga Airport, on December 12, 2024. (AP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ankara on Thursday that Turkiye has consistently supported the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, unity, and unitary structure since the beginning of the conflict.
During their meeting, they discussed bilateral relations, the ongoing situation in Syria, and broader global and regional issues.
Erdogan emphasized Turkiye's commitment to taking "preventive measures against all terrorist organizations such as the PKK/PYD/YPG and Daesh/ISIS operating in Syria."
He added that Turkiye, as the only NATO country to have fought ISIS directly, will not allow the PKK and its affiliates to exploit the situation and will ensure there is no setback in the fight against ISIS.
'Strong' US-Turkiye relations
Erdogan also called on the international community to collaborate for the revival and reconstruction of Syria's institutions.
The Turkish president stated that efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in all areas will continue in the future.
According to the US State Department, Blinken and Erdogan discussed "strong" US-Turkish regional cooperation and support for a "Syrian-led and Syrian-owned" political transition to an inclusive and accountable government.
Blinken reiterated the importance of all actors in Syria respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, and protecting civilians, especially minority groups. He also stressed the need for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need and for continued protection of displaced Syrians.
The two officials also addressed the "urgent need" for a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange deal, and the escalation of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Later, Blinken stated that the United States and Turkiye have broadly agreed on a vision for the future of Syria.
Blinken said that during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, they had broadly reached an agreement on the countries' steps to see the future of Syria and to support the Arab country.
Driving the news
The meeting followed the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday, driving al-Assad to flee to Russia after more than 53 years of Assad family rule.
The US policy on Syria has been a source of tension between Ankara and Washington in recent years. Turkiye opposes US support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). a Kurdish-led group that Turkiye views as an extension of PKK.
While the US views the YPG, or Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a vital partner in the "fight against Daesh/ISIS," it does not recognize the YPG as a terrorist group, though it acknowledges the PKK as such.
Ahead of his trip, Blinken defended the SDF, calling their role "critical" in preventing a resurgence of the ISIS terrorist group.
Steadfast opposition
Turkiye, however, remains steadfast in its opposition, prioritizing the eradication of the SDF, which it considers a terrorist organization. The divergence in US and Turkish policies has been a source of ongoing strain between the NATO allies.
Recent clashes in northern Syria have highlighted the complexity of the situation. Over the weekend, Turkiye-backed forces seized the northern city of Manbij from the SDF, leading to heavy fighting near the Syrian-Turkish border. At least 22 SDF fighters were killed and 40 others wounded. The two groups later agreed on a ceasefire in Manbij on Wednesday through US mediation.
Late on Thursday, the General Commander of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi, emphasized the importance of the Syrian Autonomous Administration's involvement in the political process as a pathway to resolving the protracted Syrian crisis. Abdi also expressed hope for the current ceasefire to evolve into a comprehensive agreement, marking a significant step toward long-term stability in the region.
"We hope that the ceasefire would develop into a comprehensive agreement," he stated, underlining the need for broader cooperation to achieve peace.
