Germany engages with PKK/YPG-led SDF, acknowledges Türkiye’s security concerns

Germany’s Ambassador to Ankara Sibylle Katharina Sorg revealed on Sunday the existence of a direct high-level working group with the SDF, led by the PKK/YPG terrorist group.

“We have a direct channel with the SDF. This channel operates as a high-level working group,” Sorg told T24 news outlet. The ambassador emphasized that these communications are conducted with full transparency among anti-Daesh coalition partners.

The revelation comes amid broader regional developments, including Türkiye’s security concerns in northern Syria, which U.S. officials also dubbed “legitimate”.

Sorg echoed U.S. officials’ words, acknowledging Türkiye’s legitimate security interests while advocating for an inclusive approach to resolving the Syrian conflict.

“Türkiye naturally has legitimate security interests here. There should not be any threat to Türkiye from northern Syria,” German Ambassador to Ankara Sibylle Katharina Sorg said, adding that the resolution requires armed groups to lay down their weapons.

Sorg stressed that Germany maintains similar contacts with various groups in the region, indicating a multilateral approach to Syrian diplomacy. The ambassador, who has served in Ankara for four months, emphasized that Syria’s internal matters should be resolved through discussions between different Syrian groups.

These diplomatic channels emerge as Türkiye and the European Union seek ways to overcome obstacles in their relationship. Sorg suggested that successful peace initiatives in the region could help remove barriers between Türkiye and the EU.