Assad Türkiye talks: Syrian leader open to dialogue without troop withdrawal demand

Syrian regime leader Bashar Assad expressed willingness to engage in high-level Assad Türkiye talks for normalization, stating that contrary to earlier reports, the troop withdrawal of Turkish military forces from Syrian territory is not a prerequisite for initiating discussions.

The announcement marks a significant shift in the dynamics of Assad Türkiye talks, which have been a focal point of recent diplomatic efforts.

Assad’s statement comes at a time when Russian-led diplomatic efforts to mediate between the two countries have failed to achieve results.

Bashar Assad expresses readiness for Assad Türkiye talks

Addressing the Syrian parliament, Assad acknowledged ongoing mediation by Russia, Iran, and Iraq but noted that no significant progress has been achieved.

“While normalization of relations requires the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian soil and an end to support for terrorist groups, these are not preconditions for starting talks,” Assad said, indicating a readiness to engage in dialogue without setting prior conditions.

‘Solution is openess’

“The solution is openness,” Assad said. “Restoring a relationship requires first removing the causes that led to its destruction.”

Assad suggested that both nations should sign an agreement to safeguard their sovereignty and establish a framework for future negotiations. “It’s not correct what was announced by some Turkish officials recently, that Syria said if there is no troop withdrawal, it will not meet with the Turks” he added, signaling a green light for more constructive Assad Türkiye talks.

He also said, “This talk is far from reality.”

Erdogan expresses openness to Assad Türkiye talks as well

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently indicated a willingness to pursue normalization with Syria. On June 28, Erdogan stated there was no reason diplomatic relations could not be established.

On July 7, he mentioned that an invitation for dialogue with Assad could be extended “at any time,” emphasizing that Türkiye would reciprocate any positive steps taken by Syria. “We want to restore Türkiye-Syria relations to their previous state,” Erdogan said.

FM Fidan on Assad Türkiye talks: ‘Spirit of times compels us to seek peace’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted on July 14 that while meetings over the past year have been relatively uneventful, the current global climate necessitates the pursuit of peace and stability.

The dialog with Syria had to reach a certain conclusion. Especially the talks mediated by Russia and Iran took place at various levels. There has not been much activity in the talks for the last year. The region is now in a climate seeking peace and stability. The spirit of the time forces us to seek peace and stability.

“We are not changing our position on the Syrian opposition. The Syrian opposition’s relations with the regime are based on their own free decision, their own free choice.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on July 14

Fidan also stated that Türkiye has been fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Syrian opposition against terrorist organizations for years, Fidan said, “It is not possible for us to forget this sacrifice.”

On July 24, Fidan reiterated that Türkiye is engaging in talks not out of desperation but from a position of strength.

Turkish Defense Minister Guler outlines conditions for withdrawal

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler recently mentioned that ministerial-level talks with Syria could occur if specific conditions are met.

He emphasized that discussions regarding Türkiye’s withdrawal from Syria would only take place after the adoption of a new Syrian constitution, the holding of elections, and the securing of borders.

On July 26, Guler reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to establishing a security corridor along its borders with Iraq and Syria, stating that current talks with the Syrian regime are conducted within the Astana framework, involving Iran, Türkiye, Syria, and Russia.