In a joint press conference on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Turkey and Syria addressed a wide range of issues, from ongoing negotiations in Gaza to developments in southern Syria and the future of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that Israel’s military operations in southern Syria pose a national security problem for Turkey. “We are closely monitoring what is happening in Sweida, and this is a matter of national security,” he said, adding that instability in Sweida could spread to other regions. He stressed that Turkey “will not allow any party to affect Syria’s stability.”
On the Syrian file, Fidan called on the SDF to abandon its “separatist agenda” and fulfill its commitments under the March 10 agreement. “It’s time to commit the SDF to the agreement,” he stated, expressing hope that their integration into the Syrian army could be achieved peacefully. He emphasized that all parties must take responsibility for Syria’s stability, noting that Turkey is assisting but that “parties in Syria must solve their problems themselves.”
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani echoed these concerns, rejecting any form of division within the country. He criticized the SDF’s slow implementation of integration agreements, saying it “hinders efforts to combat terrorism and serve citizens,” in contrast to the Syrian government’s rapid moves. Al-Shaibani confirmed that a US-sponsored meeting took place yesterday with Syrian officials and SDF representatives, but that “the agreement has not yet been fully developed.”
He highlighted Syria’s efforts to form an inclusive, pluralistic government and to lay the foundations for a state based on law and institutions, reiterating that “any division in Syria today is unacceptable.”
Turning to Gaza, Fidan announced that the negotiations have “reached a new stage,” with progress made in recent talks. He indicated that “a ceasefire may be declared in Gaza if a positive outcome is reached in today’s negotiations,” and that tomorrow’s meeting in Paris will aim to push for both a ceasefire and a broader agreement.
Fidan also urged the international community to do its part in supporting Syria and reiterated Ankara’s position that “Syria’s security is Turkey’s security,” pledging continued Turkish support.
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