A Turkish Defense Ministry delegation discussed defense and security cooperation with Syrian officials in Damascus, focusing on countering terrorist organizations.
The ministry announced that a military delegation visited Syria on Wednesday to discuss security, defense, and counterterrorism issues.
Zeki Aktürk, the ministry’s public relations and media advisor, said in a weekly press briefing on Thursday that the Turkish delegation held technical discussions in Damascus.
He emphasized that Türkiye will continue to support the Syrian people moving forward, as it has done until now.
Aktürk said Syria has been under a long history of repression, with parts of its territory still controlled by terrorist groups.
This includes the Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG), which lead the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and are seen by Türkiye as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye and its Western allies.
Meanwhile, the US supports the YPG as an ally in the fight against ISIS.
Aktürk confirmed that Türkiye will continue to take action against terrorist groups, especially the PKK, the Syrian Democratic Union Party (PYD), the YPG (SDF), and ISIS, which threaten Syria’s unity and security in the region.
He added that Türkiye will not allow any terrorist groups or new realities to take hold in the region. Türkiye will work closely with Syria's new administration to strengthen Syria's defense and security, as well as ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees.
A Turkish Defense Ministry official also stated that the delegation in Damascus discussed defense and security cooperation, focusing on the fight against groups that threaten both Syria and Türkiye.
“Our talks will continue based on the needs identified,” the official said.
The official also mentioned that once Syria’s government is fully operational, Türkiye plans to meet with Syrian counterparts to establish defense and security cooperation.
This visit by the Turkish delegation to Damascus was noted as the first high-level contact with the Syrian administration to discuss defense, security, and counterterrorism issues.
