Türkiye prioritizes defense cooperation with Syria’s new administration

The Ministry of National Defense (MoD) stated that cooperation between the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and Syria’s new administration in the defense sector is seen as a valuable opportunity to advance the interests of both nations and promote regional stability.

At the 50th and final press briefing of the year, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk stated that the ministry continues to successfully carry out its duties and activities with a broad strategic vision aimed at ensuring the state’s permanence and the nation’s security.

Akturk noted that a new chapter has opened in Syria following a dark period, stating: “We support steps toward peace, tranquility, and stability, and emphasize the importance of preserving the territorial integrity and unitary structure of our southern neighbor.”

Defense cooperation between Türkiye and Syria

Regarding the new era in Syria, Akturk stated: “We support the new Syrian administration’s call for a unified army and their efforts in this direction. We are eager to collaborate with the Syrian administration on counterterrorism.”

“We reiterate that there will be no place for terrorist organizations, including Daesh, PKK/YPG, and their affiliates, in the future of Syria and our region. Efforts to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrians will continue, and as always, we will stand by the Syrian people,” he stated.

“In the coming period, we see the defense cooperation between the TAF and Syria’s new administration not only as an opportunity for the interests of the two countries but also as a crucial opportunity for regional peace and stability,” he said.

With Türkiye’s strong defense industry infrastructure, experience in defense technologies, and its army, which serves as an example to many countries, we believe that significant contributions will be made to enhancing Syria’s security and defense capacity,” Akturk concluded.

‘Terrorist organization PKK/YPG must either lay down its arms or be eliminated’

Turkish MoD sources also emphasized that Türkiye supports Syria’s efforts to restore state institutions and reiterated their commitment to working closely with Syria’s new administration.

“Türkiye will continue to stand by the Syrian people, maintaining close cooperation and coordination with the new Syrian administration to ensure the country’s territorial integrity, political unity, security, and stability,” the National Defense Ministry stated.

“The terrorist organization PKK/YPG must either lay down its arms or be eliminated. Foreign fighters within the organization must leave Syria, while Syrian citizens within the organization will be reintegrated based on decisions made by the Syrian administration,” it added.