Turkey’s Erdogan says SDF integration opens new era for region
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said the announcement of the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their integration into the Syrian state “open the door to a new era for the entire region.”
Erdogan said it was now necessary to turn this page and end “the era of weapons and violence.”
He added that Turkey wants Syria to be united and whole with all its components, which is important for sustainable development and building its capabilities.
On developments in Turkey, Erdogan said the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) must actually lay down its arms and be dismantled to implement the framework law for Turkey’s “terror-free” process, as he put it.
Regarding the Mecca Defense Alliance, which includes Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, Erdogan said the Mecca Defense Alliance was established for stability and security in the region, and “We will continue on our path together with our brothers, growing stronger.”
Erdogan also said Turkey would consider upgrading its relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a security bloc led by China and Russia, to a higher level.
Turkey potentially becoming a full member of the organization “never means turning its back on the West,” he said.
Erdogan attended the SCO summit in Bishkek on Tuesday.
He also said talks were continuing over Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, adding, “this issue will be behind us.”