Syrian President Sharaa’s position on YPG is ‘extremely clear’: FM Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has underscored the significance of the recent meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, stating that the discussions covered Syria’s reconstruction, border security and counterterrorism efforts.

Speaking at Anadolu Agency’s Editors’ Desk, Fidan described Sharaa’s visit to Türkiye as a major diplomatic development, noting that it was his second official visit since assuming office, following an earlier trip to Saudi Arabia.

Fidan stated that the YPG terrorist group remains operational solely due to U.S. support, calling on Washington to end its backing for the group, which Türkiye considers a threat to Syria’s territorial integrity and a national security threat to itself.

Türkiye-Syria cooperation on reconstruction and security

Fidan stated that recent developments in Syria have progressed at an accelerated pace, with positive signals from both regional and international actors toward the new administration.

During the meeting in Ankara, Erdogan and Sharaa discussed previously unresolved issues, including Syria’s reconstruction and the delivery of essential services.

Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s experience in municipal and social services, stating that Erdogan has closely examined Syria’s infrastructure needs, particularly in energy, health care and transportation.

Additionally, both sides explored border security, the expansion of trade, and connectivity with regional partners. Fidan confirmed that Türkiye and Syria addressed counterterrorism strategies, particularly concerning YPG/PKK and Daesh.

“We assessed how to resolve the YPG issue, strategies to combat Daesh, and steps that can be taken with regional countries on security matters,” Fidan said.

Türkiye prioritizes security and stability in the region

Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to regional stability, stating that Türkiye expects Syria, Iraq and Iran to take responsibility for addressing threats within their territories.

“Our primary expectation from President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the new Syrian administration is to take ownership of their national security challenges and resolve them. Just as we do not pose a threat to neighboring countries, we expect the same from them,” Fidan stated.

He also noted that Türkiye has significantly advanced its defense, intelligence, and military capabilities under Erdogan’s leadership, reducing dependence on external support.

“We have extensively reformed our national security framework. As long as there is no external threat to us, we do not need outside assistance in these matters,” he added.

Syria’s stance on YPG and regional cooperation

Fidan said that Sharaa’s position on YPG/PKK was “extremely clear”, reassuring Türkiye that the Syrian administration does not support a federal structure or an autonomous region.

In the fight against Daesh, Fidan revealed plans for a joint platform involving Türkiye, Iraq, Syria and Jordan to enhance counterterrorism cooperation. The initiative aims to coordinate diplomatic, military, and intelligence efforts to eliminate threats in the region, with an initial meeting planned in Jordan.

The issues that hurt and bother us are the problems in our region beyond our borders, the problems that pose a threat to us … Our number one expectation from Ahmad al-Sharaa is that the new administration will take care of and solve the problems in his own country. To address the issues that threaten Türkiye and the region.

We expect this from Syria, Iraq and Iran. They, in turn, have to expect from us. Just as we do not pose a threat to the countries around us, it is our number one priority for the countries around us not to pose a threat to us for any reason.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

Türkiye’s position on US role in Syria

Addressing U.S. policies in Syria, Fidan stated that Türkiye expects Washington to end its support for YPG, which Ankara views as a threat to Syria’s territorial integrity.

“The organization survives only with U.S. backing. We expect that the U.S. ends its support for YPG and removes all elements threatening Syria’s unity,” he said.

Fidan also commented on Syria’s ability to reclaim control over detention facilities, asserting that the administration has a clear plan to either repatriate or eliminate foreign fighters within its borders.

“Either they will return to their home countries, or they will be eliminated. A settlement process is being explored first,” he noted.

Türkiye-Iraq counterterrorism collaboration

Fidan praised Iraq’s evolving stance on counterterrorism, stating that Baghdad has made progress in recognizing PKK-related security concerns.

“Iraq used to view PKK activities in its northern regions as solely Türkiye’s issue. We have worked diplomatically to create awareness, and we see progress, though more steps are needed,” he said.

He also mentioned ongoing efforts to eliminate PKK elements in Sinjar, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is the complete removal of terrorist presence in the region.