Türkiye signals support for new political phase in Syria

Türkiye is prepared to extend support to Syria under mutual agreements in a variety of areas as the country transitions into a new political era following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, according to diplomatic sources.

Foreign Ministry officials stated that while the Syrian people continue to recover from 14 years of conflict, they are also advancing a political transition guided by their leadership and ownership.

The officials emphasized the importance of supporting Syria’s efforts to reintegrate into the regional and international community, restore domestic stability, and eliminate sanctions, which they said hinder recovery.

Türkiye promotes engagement, regional consensus

Türkiye has played an active role in fostering regional dialogue with Syria and has supported efforts for international engagement, including with the United States, according to the ministry sources.

The core tenets of Türkiye’s Syria policy remain the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity, ensuring stability through the removal of terrorist elements, and promoting reconstruction through the lifting of sanctions.

Türkiye has adopted an unconditional stance to support the Syrian government and its people in realizing these goals, diplomatic sources said.

Security consolidation, US drawdown observed

In southern Syria, sources noted a decline in military activity and steps taken to integrate armed groups into the new Syrian army.

The United States, meanwhile, has indicated a phased reduction of its military presence without specifying a timeline, while encouraging Iraq-Syria cooperation on border security and counterterrorism.

Opposition to federalization, protection of territorial unity

The Syrian government’s reaction to a “Kurdish unity conference” in Qamishli indicated that the event’s outcomes contradicted earlier agreements with the SDF.

Both Türkiye and Syria prioritize territorial integrity and reject separatist agendas.

Türkiye supports the creation of a new constitution in Syria that guarantees equal rights and freedoms to all ethnic and religious groups. Ankara emphasized that it would oppose any attempt to undermine this vision.

Counterterrorism and the role of the PKK

Sources highlighted Türkiye’s position that the terrorist group PKK and its affiliates must disarm and be excluded from political and military influence in Syria. Türkiye expects the SDF-PKK alignment to end and has communicated its position to both Syrian and international actors.

A trilateral meeting held in Amman on March 9 between Syria and its four neighboring countries, including Türkiye, led to a consensus on establishing a joint operations center to coordinate counterterrorism efforts.

Technical talks on the initiative are ongoing.

Bilateral cooperation and sanctions relief

Sources added that Türkiye remains open to bilateral cooperation on issues shaped by its national security assessments and Syria’s domestic needs. They also indicated that Türkiye continues to advocate for the removal of sanctions targeting Syria.

Following the appointment of a transitional cabinet in March and ongoing parliamentary restructuring, Türkiye sees a potential for broader international engagement, provided Syria undertakes trust-building steps.

Progress has been made, sources said, in encouraging the easing of sanctions by the U.S., EU, and U.K., though Türkiye maintains its push for full removal of measures imposed during the prior regime.