Türkiye to deliver key message on Syria at Paris Summit

A high-level international conference on Syria is set to take place in Paris, where Türkiye will urge participants to withdraw support for the terrorist organization PKK/YPG and focus on Syria’s reconstruction and stability.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz will represent Türkiye at the summit in place of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is accompanying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his Asia-Pacific tour.

Paris Summit to discuss Syria’s future

The Paris summit marks the third international conference on Syria following meetings in Aqaba on Dec. 14, 2024, and Riyadh on Jan. 12, 2025.

Representatives from regional countries, European and Atlantic partners, and international organizations will gather to discuss Syria’s post-conflict transition and stabilization efforts.

Deputy FM Yilmaz is expected to highlight Türkiye’s position on engaging with Syria’s new administration and emphasize the importance of international support for stability.

The conference will also address key challenges, including security threats posed by terrorist organizations and the need for long-term reconstruction plans.

Türkiye’s firm stance on regional security

Türkiye will reiterate its firm stance on eliminating terrorist elements from Syria.

Yilmaz is set to emphasize the threat posed by terrorist groups such as PKK/YPG and Daesh and stress the necessity of completely eradicating terrorist elements from the country.

“Türkiye is determined to ensure Syria is free from terrorist threats,” Yilmaz is expected to state, underscoring the importance of counterterrorism efforts for regional stability. Ankara will also call for an end to international support for groups Türkiye designates as terrorist organizations.

Call for lifting sanctions on Syria and reconstruction efforts

Another key point in Türkiye’s message at the Paris summit will be the need to lift sanctions imposed on Syria.

Yilmaz is expected to argue that sustainable stability in Syria requires comprehensive reconstruction efforts, which have been hindered by economic restrictions.

Additionally, Türkiye will emphasize accountability for crimes committed under the previous Syrian regime. Yilmaz is likely to highlight the importance of ensuring justice and transparency as part of Syria’s transition process.