President Erdogan stresses need to fully eliminate Syria terrorism in call

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa that the complete eradication of terrorism from Syria is essential for both countries and the wider region. Erdogan pledged that Türkiye's support, particularly in counterterrorism, will grow.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a direct phone conversation with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Sunday, emphasizing the critical necessity of permanently removing terrorist threats from Syrian soil. According to a statement from Türkiye's Communications Directorate, President Erdogan conveyed that "Türkiye’s support to Syria in many areas, particularly in counterterrorism, will continue to increase."

A reaffirmation of support and core principles

The call, a significant diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring leaders, focused on bilateral relations and recent developments within Syria. President Erdogan used the opportunity to reiterate foundational principles guiding Türkiye's regional policy. He underscored that Türkiye places great importance on "Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, cohesion, stability and security." This statement aligns Türkiye's stance with the goal of a sovereign, unified Syrian state, a position that has been a consistent feature of Ankara's foreign policy throughout the conflict.

Context of a shifting security landscape

The high-level discussion occurs amidst a rapidly evolving situation in northern Syria. It follows the recent announcement of a major ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Türkiye views the SDF's primary component, the People's Protection Units (YPG), as an extension of the PKK terrorist organization. Therefore, any pact that leads to the genuine dissolution of the YPG as an independent armed force and its absorption into the Syrian national army would directly address Türkiye's foremost security concern along its southern border.

Türkiye's strategic role and the path forward

President Erdogan's pledge of increased support signals Türkiye's intent to remain an active and influential player in Syria's future. For over a decade, Türkiye has hosted millions of Syrian refugees, conducted cross-border military operations against terrorist groups, and engaged in complex diplomacy. The phone call suggests a potential alignment of interests with Damascus regarding the northeastern region, where both nations seek to eliminate the YPG's autonomous presence. Moving forward, the focus will be on the practical implementation of recent agreements and whether they tangibly advance the shared goal of a stable, terror-free Syria, which Türkiye considers indispensable for its own national security and regional peace.