Türkiye welcomes Syria ceasefire, stresses need for lasting peace

Türkiye has formally welcomed the ceasefire agreement announced in Syria, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing hope that it will pave the way for a durable peace. Speaking to lawmakers of his Justice and Development (AK) Party in parliament on Wednesday, Erdoğan reiterated Ankara's long-standing commitment to a unified Syrian state.

Support for Syrian Unity and Integration

President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye has "from the very beginning, most strongly defended" the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity and political unity. He asserted that the full integration of all regions under state authority would "usher in a new era," with stability benefiting Syrian Kurds the most. He warned that any new provocations in Syria would "amount to suicide," underscoring the critical need to maintain the current calm.

Context of the Syria Agreement

The Syrian presidency announced on Tuesday a mutual understanding with the YPG/SDF, granting the group four days to prepare a detailed roadmap for integrating the northeastern Hasakah province under Damascus's administration. A temporary ceasefire is in effect during this period, a move to which the YPG/SDF has declared its full commitment. This development aligns with Türkiye's core foreign policy objective of eliminating autonomous structures along its border that it associates with the PKK terrorist organization.

Ankara's Stance and Coordination with Washington

While welcoming the agreement, Erdoğan clarified Türkiye's principled stance: "We have no interest in the territory of any country and do not interfere in the internal affairs of any nation, but we will not allow our country’s interests to be compromised." He also revealed discussing Syria-related security matters, including joint efforts against ISIS (Daesh), in a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. This indicates continued diplomatic coordination on Syria's future between Ankara and Washington.