Newsletters
Türkiye remains committed to supporting the principle of “one state and one army” in Syria, the National Defense Ministry said Thursday, emphasizing the importance of integrating the SDF into the Syrian army to ensure the country’s stability.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Ankara, ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk said the Syrian government continues “its diligent efforts toward restructuring all its institutions and bodies, as well as establishing stability and security in the country.”
“In this context, we are continuing our efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Defense, to strengthen Syria’s security capacity and contribute to regional stability by clearing it of terrorism,” Akturk said.
“In line with the stability and security of Syria, we remain committed to supporting the principle of one state and one army.
In this regard, the integration of the SDF terrorist organization into the Syrian army is of critical importance,” ministry sources said, adding that Türkiye is carrying out necessary coordination with its counterparts and closely monitoring the process.
The SDF is dominated by the YPG, the Syrian branch of the terrorist PKK.
Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in late 2024, ending the Baath Party’s rule that began in 1963. A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa took office in January.
On March 10, the Syrian presidency announced an agreement to integrate the SDF into state institutions, stressing Syria’s territorial integrity and rejecting separatism.
However, the group has reportedly violated the agreement multiple times.
The Defense Ministry also described the ongoing cease-fire in Gaza as an important step toward lasting peace in the region.
“We hope that this development will be the beginning of a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace and will ultimately contribute to the goal of a two-state solution,” ministry sources said.
In response to a question on Türkiye’s participation in the multinational Gaza task force, the ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), with experience gained from previous peacekeeping missions, “are ready to undertake any tasks assigned within the framework of international law for the establishment and maintenance of peace,” adding that coordination is ongoing with relevant state institutions.
Türkiye on Thursday reiterated its ongoing humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza and reaffirmed its readiness to contribute troops to a multinational task force in the enclave, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Wednesday following a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
According to a statement from the Defense Ministry, Guler participated in key NATO sessions discussing the alliance’s deterrence and defense posture, support to Ukraine, and other security matters.
Recalling that Türkiye is among the top five contributors of forces to NATO, Guler said Türkiye underscored its role in alliance missions, its modernization of the armed forces, and its determination to meet the 5% defense spending target.
He said Türkiye expressed “satisfaction with the cease-fire in Gaza and hope that it will mark the start of a fair two-state solution,” stressing the importance of “full implementation of the cease-fire and uninterrupted humanitarian aid.”
Guler said Türkiye remains committed to providing humanitarian support. He added that Türkiye is prepared to join the multinational Gaza task force.
Türkiye also continues to contribute to Ukraine both bilaterally and through NATO.
It supports diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Guler noted that Türkiye values participation in EU-led defense initiatives such as the European Security Action Program (SAFE).
1 min read
2 min read
