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Turkish government spokesperson Omer Celik on Wednesday denied reports suggesting direct contact between Türkiye and the terrorist organization SDF regarding the reported disbandment agreement with the Syrian government.
“There has been no meeting between Türkiye and the SDF,” Celik said, dismissing the SDF’s claims that discussions had taken place with Turkish officials.
He added that Türkiye is closely monitoring the developments related to the disbandment deal between the terrorist group SDF and the Syrian regime, emphasizing that Ankara is evaluating the potential implications for regional security.
Celik emphasized that Türkiye’s stance remains centered on the full dismantling of PKK and its affiliates, which it views as responsible for financing and sustaining regional terrorism through various illegal networks. Referring to reports of the SDF ringleader claiming they are “in contact with Türkiye,” Celik clarified that there can be no dialogue until arms are laid down in full.
“This must go beyond rhetoric,” he said, reiterating President Erdogan’s earlier remarks that all PKK-related structures must be dissolved and the disarmament process must be complete and verifiable through mechanisms established by Türkiye.
According to Celik, these mechanisms are already in place and capable of confirming progress within a matter of months. He noted that Türkiye expects “concrete and comprehensive steps without delay,” and warned against walking back from disarmament.
The Turkish government continues to advocate for Syria’s territorial unity. Celik outlined the expected course of action as laid out in the disbandment process, which includes the withdrawal of PKK elements from Syria and the integration of remaining SDF terrorists into the ranks of the Syrian army.
He added that any claim by the terrorist SDF suggesting talks with Turkish officials on behalf of an autonomous authority was “not accurate,” asserting that formal contact could only follow a verified disarmament.
Celik also dismissed periodic statements by SDF ringleaders who threaten to disengage from the process, describing such remarks as aligned with “imperialist proxy agendas.” Drawing a historical parallel, he criticized efforts to redraw borders in the Middle East, recalling the divisive legacy of the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, which partitioned former Ottoman lands between European powers. Türkiye, he said, would not allow the establishment of a “terror state” near its borders.
In a separate section of his remarks, Celik addressed Türkiye’s role in the Ukraine war, positioning President Erdogan as a unique figure able to speak with both sides. Since the beginning of the conflict, Erdogan has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Celik noted that all three leaders have expressed support for Istanbul as a venue for peace negotiations, with Erdogan as a potential chair. “Our President has consistently stated, ‘We will never be the side that walks away from the table,’” he said.
He recalled that even a major attack just one day before the last Istanbul meeting did not derail negotiations, and key decisions, including prisoner swaps, were reached. While a full peace agreement may not be imminent, Celik said the process “moves forward step by step,” crediting Erdogan’s determined diplomacy for keeping talks alive.
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