Türkiye blasts France over its dangerous policies in northeastern Syria
Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan addresses the audience during a press briefing meeting to review the past year and to share insights regarding regional and global developments in Istanbul, on January 10, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed domestic and international media representatives in Istanbul, outlining Türkiye’s plans for addressing threats in Syria and broader regional stability.
Türkiye strongly criticized France‘s policies in northeastern Syria, labeling them as a threat to regional stability and security.
The response comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Türkiye reaffirming its firm stance against terrorist groups operating near its borders.
“They have a policy, they do not bring Daesh prisoners back to their own countries. But they do not care about our security,” Türkiye’s top diplomat Hakan Fidan told reporters in Istanbul.
“The U.S. is our only counterpart… Frankly, we don’t take into account countries that try to advance their own interests in Syria by hiding behind U.S. power,” he said.
“If France had anything to do, it should take its own citizens, bring them to its own prisons and judge them,” he added.
New chapter for Syria
Minister Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s evolving approach to Syria, declaring 2024 as a pivotal year for the region. “The bloody regime’s 61 years of oppression has ended. Now begins a new story for Syria and its people. Türkiye has initiated efforts for reconstruction and stability,” he said.
He emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to fostering peace, noting, “Our foreign policy is centered on prosperity and peace. Instead of domination and oppression, we aim to establish harmony and tranquility in the region.”
“We have scenarios for every layer of security,” Fidan stated. “Our strong foreign policy encompasses areas like defense, energy, and health. Naturally, the security layer holds the utmost importance, especially as we pursue regional stability.”
Counterterrorism takes center stage
Fidan stressed Türkiye’s determination to eliminate terrorism in the region. “2025 will focus on clearing Syria of terrorism. Türkiye is resolute in its fight against all forms of terrorism, without distinction. For groups like PKK/YPG, the end of the road is near,” he said.
He added that Türkiye’s efforts extend beyond its borders, particularly in Iraq. “We do not see Iraq’s security and stability as separate from our own. Our bilateral relations are institutionalized with 27 agreements.”
Türkiye’s firm stance on PKK/YPG
Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to act against the PKK/YPG terrorist group. “We have repeatedly stated that we cannot coexist with this threat. Either others will act, or we will take the necessary steps ourselves,” he said.
He further highlighted the need for international partners to take a consistent stance against terrorism, urging them to learn from past attacks.
Clearing the Syrian theater of terrorism will be the main activity of 2025. Türkiye is the most effective in the fight against terrorism. Türkiye is determined for this cause. It is the end of the road for terrorist organizations in the region. Terrorism has no religion and nationality. There is no difference for terrorist organizations like Europe or America. We will realize our goal of a terror-free Türkiye, God willing.
Türkiye has the capacity and determination to eliminate all threats at their source. Nothing will be the same as before. Countries that display an ambivalent attitude in the fight against terrorism should also learn lessons from terrorist attacks.
We will continue to fight with the same determination without discriminating between Daesh and PKK.
We maintained the positive momentum and lively pace we achieved with Greece. Acting in the spirit of good neighborliness is in the interest of both countries and the region.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Türkiye’s support for Palestine as 9 more countries recognize it
“The Palestinian issue was at the top of our agenda. We saw that Israeli atrocities continued in Palestine. On the one hand, we mobilized all our means for Palestine, on the other hand, we established dialogue with our international counterparts. We were involved in the case at the International Criminal Court. Thanks to our initiatives, 9 more countries recognized Palestine,” Fidan said.
“The cease-fire in Lebanon alone is not enough to put out the fire in our region. We continue our efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza. Lasting peace in the Middle East depends on a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel,” he added.
“Türkiye continues to stand by its Palestinian brothers and sisters,” Fidan stated.
“It is never acceptable for Palestinians to be left without a homeland, land and state. Israel’s expansionist and confrontational policies in the region are an international problem and not only Türkiye’s problem. Together with our international counterparts, we will overcome Israel‘s behavior in the region,” Fidan concluded.
