A statement by the YPG-led SDF terror group announcing the dissolution of its so-called autonomous administration in neighbouring Syria and all affiliated military and civilian structures will be a positive development if implemented in practice, the Turkish foreign minister has said.
"Our job is to act professionally and verify what this means on the ground. If it is as stated, it is of course a welcome development. It complements all the steps we currently want to take. It is a step that will strengthen Kurdish-Arab brotherhood in Syria," Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday in Elazig, eastern Türkiye, where he held meetings with local officials and lawmakers and spoke with reporters.
The dissolution “would be one of the developments that would contribute most to creating an environment in which all Syrians can look to the future with confidence.”
"We emphasise that while the identity of Kurds must be protected and there must be no denial of their identity, Syria's national unity, sovereign integrity, and territorial integrity must also be preserved. We want to see this reflected in practice," Fidan added.
He said Türkiye does not consider developments contrary to these principles beneficial for Syria, adding that the YPG terror group's presence in the region has for a long time posed a challenge not only to Syria but also to Türkiye.
"But hopefully, in this new process, we will resolve all these problems through mutual understanding and dialogue. We will resolve them through peace," Fidan said.
Fidan said he had spent the last two days travelling by road through provinces and districts in the region and had seen the potential for greater regional development.
"Regional development and progress are truly the right of this region just as much as anyone else.
"And in environments without terrorism, in environments where weapons are not speaking, we see how quickly development advances, how much progress can be made, and what a great blessing and opportunity the unique nature of eastern and southeastern Türkiye offers," he said.
Fidan said Türkiye’s vision prioritises peace, stability, development, and prosperity in Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and the wider region.
He said the government is implementing this vision step by step under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"Hopefully, as I said, the statement made in Damascus is positive in terms of its wording, but if it is implemented in practice as stated, it is highly positive," Fidan said.
