Syrian President highlights progress in SDF-state integration
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Friday that the ongoing integration process between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and state institutions represents a “major achievement” for the country, according to remarks published by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.
Speaking during a visit to Turkey to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, al-Sharaa stated that “the integration processes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian state are currently underway,” describing them as a step taken “in favor of Syria.”
The Syrian Democratic Forces, a US-backed military force, have been the main security actor in northeast Syria, where the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) oversees civil governance.
Al-Sharaa also said that “the last foreign base has left northeastern Syria,” adding that the country has “moved from a state of crisis to a historic opportunity toward stability and reconstruction.”
North Press could not independently verify the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the region.
In the same interview, the Syrian president revealed that his government is seeking to reach “a form of security agreement” with Israel, aimed at maintaining regional stability. He noted that negotiations “have not reached a dead end but are progressing with difficulty,” citing Israel’s insistence on maintaining a presence inside Syrian territory.
He accused Israel of carrying out attacks on site inside Syria and of “occupying new territories“ along the Golan border.
On regional relations, al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of cooperation with Turkey, describing Syria as a potential “safe corridor” for energy supplies and trade routes, particularly linking the Gulf to Turkey. He said relations between the two countries are based on “historical and geographical ties.”
He also pointed to what he described as “significant opportunities for regional connectivity” between Syria and Turkey, enhancing the country’s position as a link between East and West.
On Friday, al-Sharaa met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Antalya, where the fifth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum is taking place.
The forum, held between April 17 and 19, is expected to host around 5,000 participants from more than 150 countries, including heads of state, government officials, and foreign ministers, to discuss global challenges under the theme “Navigating Uncertainties: Defining the Future.”