Turkey Pushes for SDF Integration as Fidan Meets Syrian Leaders in Damascus
The SDF and Syria are back at the center of talks between Damascus and Ankara, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan calling for all armed groups to be integrated into Syrian state institutions during a visit to Damascus focused on security, bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Fidan said bringing all armed elements under the authority of the central government was necessary, according to Turkey’s position, to preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
SDF and Syria: Fidan Calls for Integration to Be Completed
The Turkish foreign minister welcomed steps toward dissolving the Syrian Democratic Forces and integrating them into Syrian state institutions, describing the process as important and calling for its implementation on the ground to be completed.
Damascus and the SDF had reached a ceasefire and integration agreement that includes military and administrative arrangements, as well as the incorporation of members of the SDF’s military and security forces into Syrian state institutions. Implementation of the agreement has seen political and on-the-ground developments in recent months, including events in Qamishli as part of the implementation of the integration agreement.
Relations between Damascus and the SDF have also gone through several political stages, including meetings related to the agreement on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, alongside developments concerning the future of the SDF leadership under the new arrangements.
Dissolving the SDF and Mazloum Abdi’s Future
Fidan’s comments follow a series of developments concerning the future of the Syrian Democratic Forces and their commander, Mazloum Abdi. Earlier developments addressed the dissolution of the SDF and understandings between Ahmed al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi as part of efforts to integrate institutions and forces in northeastern Syria into the state.
Previous reports also covered the appointment of Mazloum Abdi as an adviser in Syria, in the context of political and institutional arrangements linked to the post-agreement period.
Fidan and al-Sharaa Discuss Syria-Turkey Relations
During his visit to Damascus, Fidan met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the presence of Foreign Minister al-Shaibani. The meeting focused on strengthening relations between Syria and Turkey and regional developments, with both sides emphasizing continued coordination and consultations.
Al-Shaibani said Damascus and Ankara were working to activate the joint high-level committee between the two countries and expand cooperation in political, economic and security fields.
Syria and Turkey Expand Economic Cooperation
The talks were not limited to security issues. Al-Shaibani said Damascus was preparing a comprehensive document on cooperation with Turkey covering gas, electricity and the interconnection of power grids.
He also outlined plans to strengthen trade, investment and transportation cooperation as Damascus and Ankara work to expand economic ties between the two countries.
Erdogan Visit to Syria Being Planned
Fidan said a visit to Syria by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was being planned for the near future, without announcing a specific date.
He said Syrian-Turkish relations had developed over the past two years, while his talks in Damascus covered security, the economy, energy and regional cooperation.
Southern Syria and Israeli Military Operations
The two sides also discussed developments in southern Syria. Fidan criticized Israeli military operations, saying they were harming stability and developments underway in the country.
Al-Shaibani, for his part, reaffirmed Damascus’ demand that Israeli forces withdraw to the lines that existed before Dec. 8, 2024, and comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He said Syria remained committed to a diplomatic approach in addressing the escalation.
Fidan’s comments on the SDF came as Syria and Turkey continued talks on security, political and economic issues, alongside steps to implement the integration arrangements and expand cooperation between Damascus and Ankara.
