Türkiye welcomes SDF dissolution, calls for unified Syria

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on Thursday welcomed the announced dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the YPG terror group in Syria, stating that Ankara seeks a stable neighbor with full territorial integrity and inclusive governance for all ethnic communities.

Türkiye welcomes dissolution announcement

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Agri Mollakara Gold Mine in eastern Agri province, Yilmaz said the announcement marked a significant step toward regional stability. "Yesterday in Syria, the SDF and YPG announced that they had dissolved themselves. A very important meeting was held in Damascus. I would like to express our great satisfaction with this," he said, referring to developments following recent talks in the Syrian capital.

Yilmaz emphasized that Türkiye wants its neighbors to enjoy unity and solidarity, with their territorial integrity and sovereignty secured. He noted that Ankara supports an inclusive system in which all Syrian communities can participate freely while maintaining a single state structure.

Vision for inclusive, unified Syria

The vice president outlined Ankara's vision for a Syria that accommodates diverse identities under one national framework. "We are in favor of a united and whole Syria that embraces all its different identities, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Alawites, and Sunnis," Yilmaz said, adding that such a structure would allow people to live their differences freely while protecting their country within a single army.

He stressed that regional stability and prosperity were closely linked to Türkiye's own security, recalling that the peace and stability of the region directly affects Ankara. Yilmaz also highlighted the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed earlier this month between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia as a framework that could expand to include other countries and contribute to greater stability.

Roadmap begins with disarmament

Yilmaz detailed the government's roadmap for implementing the new arrangements, stating that the process would proceed in carefully monitored phases. "First, weapons will be laid down, the disarmament process will be completed, this will be determined on the ground and confirmed by our National Security Council. The other provisions will then take effect," he said, noting that relevant institutions would assess developments before the council confirms concrete progress.

He said Ankara hopes to complete the positive process quickly and effectively, with all relevant institutions continuing their work to ensure stability. Yilmaz also congratulated Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his determined leadership in pursuing this path.

Economic recovery and investment

Yilmaz noted that Türkiye's eastern and southeastern regions have paid a heavy price due to terrorism, with private investment deterred by security concerns for years. "There is no investment where there is no security and peace," he said, explaining that while public investment can continue amid violence, private capital generally avoids unstable areas, leaving young people unable to find jobs.

According to estimates he cited, Türkiye has suffered losses of $2.3 trillion over the years due to terrorism as agricultural production, tourism, and trade were disrupted. Speaking at the Agri Mollakara Gold Mine operated by Turk Altin Isletmeleri, Yilmaz said the new era would bring fundamental change to the region, with the government having recently passed legislation to strengthen national solidarity and social cohesion.