PKK will be removed from Syria as Daesh was: Foreign Minister Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the PKK terrorist group will be removed from Syria as Daesh was, either peacefully or by other means, during a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Sani in Doha.

Türkiye reaffirms support for Syria’s sovereignty

Fidan emphasized that Türkiye does not accept any initiatives undermining Syria’s territorial integrity or enabling armed groups outside of central authority control.

He said Türkiye wants to see a Syrian constitution and administration that provides equal opportunities for all groups, highlighting that positive steps have been taken toward this goal.

Addressing the challenges in Syria, Fidan noted that Türkiye, Qatar, and other regional countries discussed possible development, economic cooperation, and sanctions-related measures to assist Syria’s recovery.

Fidan stressed that Türkiye will continue to oppose groups attempting to exploit Syria’s situation for their own aims and damage its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We expect the agreement signed between the YPG and the Syrian administration in recent months to be implemented. Our sensitivity on this matter is clear,” he said.

Fidan also called on the PKK to respond positively to calls to lay down arms and stop hindering normalization in the region.

Regional security and fight against terrorism

Highlighting the region’s long history of war, occupation, and instability, Fidan stated, “It is time to build a prosperous, secure, respectful, and free system.”

He added, “It is time for actors who continue to burden governments using old terrorist methods to leave the system. (In Syria) just as Daesh was removed from the system, the PKK will also be removed. It will either leave peacefully or by other means.”

Qatar condemns use of starvation against Palestinians

Al Sani said during the press conference that Qatar continues its efforts with partners to end Israel’s renewed attacks on Gaza.

“We cannot accept starving the Palestinian people or using hunger as a weapon,” Al Sani said, adding that their mediation efforts faced malicious rumors.

He criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for international action to pressure Israel.

“We must take steps with all our partners in the international community to ensure humanitarian aid, fuel, water, and food enter Gaza,” he stated.

He confirmed coordination with Egypt and others to advance to the second phase of the cease-fire talks, aiming for the release of hostages and an end to the conflict.

“Hamas has repeatedly confirmed its readiness to release all Israeli hostages,” Al Sani noted, but stated that Israel demands all hostages be released without ending the war.

Developments in Syria and Qatar’s position

Al Sani expressed support for the steps taken by the new Syrian administration to rebuild the state and strengthen unity among its people.

He emphasized, “We reject any party carrying arms outside of a state’s framework in Syria.”

Al Sani highlighted that communication with other regional countries continues to support peace efforts in Syria. He called for the lifting of sanctions against Syria to ease the hardships of its people, reiterating support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

Qatar denies involvement in US student protests

Addressing allegations that Qatar was behind student protests in the United States, Al Sani said, “All claims that Qatar is behind student protests in the U.S. are completely delusional.”

He clarified that Qatar’s relationships with American universities are limited to educational institutions in Doha and that all financial support is transparent.

“Qatar is a peace-loving country and has played important roles in various mediation efforts,” he said.

Türkiye-Qatar relations continue to strengthen

Minister Fidan expressed satisfaction with Türkiye-Qatar relations, stating, “Türkiye-Qatar relations are advancing every day, thanks to the leadership bond between our President and the Emir and the friendship rooted in strategic values.”

He thanked his Qatari counterpart for his hospitality and noted the strong working relationship between the two sides.

Fidan highlighted that Türkiye’s strategic coordination with Qatar contributes not only to bilateral relations but also to regional stability, development, and security.

He pointed out the growing trade volume, defense cooperation, and close consultations on global and regional issues.

Gaza remains a priority for Türkiye

Minister Fidan stated that Gaza was at the top of the agenda due to the severity of the humanitarian crisis. “Israel, while committing genocide against Palestinians, is also trampling international law and human conscience,” Fidan said.

He stressed Türkiye’s priorities: achieving a cease-fire, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza, and facilitating the exchange of Israeli and Palestinian detainees.

Fidan thanked Qatar, Egypt, and other partners for their efforts, emphasizing that Israel must be pressured into accepting peace and that the international community must act responsibly.

Two-state solution remains key

Fidan reaffirmed that a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue lies in the two-state solution, as endorsed at the recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation-Arab League Gaza Contact Group meeting in Antalya.

He said, “We will continue to work for a future where Palestinians and Israelis live together peacefully and prosperously.”

Stability in Syria essential for regional peace

Fidan stated that stabilizing Syria is essential for regional peace and security, achievable only through regional cooperation.

Türkiye and Qatar have long coordinated efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict and now seek to support Syria’s reconstruction through tangible projects.

He reiterated that sanctions hinder Syria’s stability and called for efforts to lift them. “All terrorist elements must be removed from Syria,” Fidan stressed, affirming Türkiye’s commitment to helping Syrians build a hopeful future.

Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts in regional crises

Fidan noted that Türkiye continues dialogue with Hamas through various channels and supports Qatar and Egypt’s efforts toward mediation.

He said, “While diplomatic efforts to prevent ongoing genocide and humanitarian tragedy continue, we are also working on ways to implement a ceasefire.”

Fidan stated that Hamas would be more willing to accept an agreement based on a two-state solution and emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution beyond a temporary cease-fire.

He warned that failure to act could lead to future, larger crises, and urged all parties to seize the opportunity for lasting peace.

“The effort that America will put forward is important. President Trump’s approach to the issue is important. Pressure must be placed on Israel,” Fidan said.

He concluded by stressing that Israel’s expansionist policies pose long-term risks both to itself and the region and emphasized the need for immediate diplomatic efforts.