Turkey’s Erdogan Highlights Ongoing Syria Talks with Russia and National Security Concerns
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized on Wednesday that Turkey is engaged in ongoing negotiations with Russia to rebuild ties with the Syrian government. His remarks came during a press conference following his return from a visit to Brazil.
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to addressing security concerns, stating, “We are determined to consign the problem of terrorism to history. We have no tolerance for structures that pose threats to our country beyond our borders.”
He also stressed the importance of counterterrorism efforts both domestically and internationally, calling on the Syrian government to take an active role. “Just as we are making efforts to drain this swamp, the Syrian administration should engage in similar efforts as well,” Erdogan said.
Referring to the evolving regional dynamics, Erdogan remarked that Turkey is prepared for the implications of the US withdrawal from Syria. “We are ready, as Turkey, for both the new situation that will arise from the US withdrawal from Syria and the current reality. Our national security comes before everything else,” he asserted in the statement.
For over a year, Turkey has been working with Russia and Iran to normalize relations with the Syrian government and President Bashar al-Assad. However, Erdogan acknowledged that no tangible progress or response has been received from Damascus.
The Turkish president’s comments underscore Ankara’s continued efforts to balance its regional strategy and address security challenges stemming from its southern borders.