Erdogan vows ‘preventive measures’ against PKK/YPG terror group in Syria during talks with Blinken
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) during a reception at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Türkiye on December 12, 2024. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the territorial integrity and unity of Syria during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ankara on Thursday, according to a statement from the Turkish Communications Directorate.
Erdogan told U.S. Secretary of State Blinken Türkiye will take measures for national security against terrorist organizations such as PKK/YPG, Daesh in Syria.
Blinken arrived in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Thursday. Blinken was greeted at the airport by Ambassador Ahmet Cemil Miroglu, director general of the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s Protocol Department; Michael Goldman, Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara; and several other officials.
However, the absence of a high-ranking Turkish official to welcome Blinken was also noteworthy.
‘Preventive measures’ against PKK/YPG terrorist group
The discussions covered bilateral relations, developments in Syria, and broader global and regional issues.
Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s intention to take “preventive measures” against terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including the PKK/YPG terrorist group and Daesh.
Türkiye, which Erdogan described as the only NATO member to engage Daesh in direct combat, aims to prevent groups like the PKK and its affiliates from exploiting the region’s instability.
Meanwhile, Erdogan also called for international cooperation to rebuild and revive Syria’s institutions.
Türkiye’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations in all areas will continue in the new period, Erdogan added.
The meeting came as the two nations navigate longstanding tensions over U.S. support for the YPG, which Türkiye views as an affiliate of the PKK. The PKK has been engaged in a 40-year insurgency against Türkiye, claiming more than 40,000 lives, according to Turkish officials.
While the U.S. considers the PKK a terrorist organization, it views the YPG, also known as SDF, as a key ally in the fight against Daesh.
‘Syrian-led and Syrian-owned’ political transition
The U.S. State Department’s account of the meeting highlighted shared goals, including support for a “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned” political transition toward an “accountable and inclusive government.”
Blinken underscored the importance of respecting human rights, adhering to international humanitarian law, and protecting civilians, including minorities.
Humanitarian aid and displaced Syrians were also on the agenda, with Blinken emphasizing the continued need for protection and aid delivery. He stressed the importance of maintaining the coalition’s efforts to defeat Daesh in the region.
Urgent need for Gaza cease-fire
The discussions also extended to the crisis in Gaza, with both leaders addressing the “urgent need” for a cease-fire and a hostage exchange deal to facilitate increased humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of a seismic shift in Syria, where anti-regime forces seized Damascus on Sunday, forcing Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, which marked the collapse of Assad’s regime after a 13-year civil war and 53 years of family rule.
