Turkish President Open to Talks with Syrian President, But Rejects Troop Withdrawal as Condition

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated willingness to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but made it plain that he would not meet with him if Turkish forces were to be withdrawn from Syrian territory. Erdogan made the remarks during a press conference in Istanbul before departing for a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey has been a crucial supporter of the Syrian opposition and has kept a military presence in northern Syria to prevent the Syrian government, which is backed by Russia, from regaining control.

Erdogan Signals Willingness to Hold Talks with Assad

President Erdogan announced that Turkey has never closed the door to discussions with the Syrian government, indicating a potential willingness to engage in dialogue. He proposed the possibility of a four-party summit involving Syria, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, and expressed openness to a meeting with President al-Assad. Erdogan emphasized that the approach taken by the Syrian government would be a crucial factor in determining the feasibility of such talks.

Turkish Troop Withdrawal Demand Unacceptable, Says Erdogan

President Erdogan firmly rejected the condition set by Damascus for a meeting with President al-Assad, which demanded a complete withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria. Erdogan argued that Turkey’s military operations in the region were necessary to secure its southern border and to combat terrorism. He highlighted the continuous threat faced by Turkey from terrorist organizations along its border and called for a fair approach in resolving the conflict.

Arab States Seek Normalization of Ties with Syria Amidst Tensions

While tensions between Turkey and Syria persist, several Arab states have shown a growing interest in normalizing relations with President al-Assad’s government. This trend gained momentum following the deadly earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northwestern Syria in February. Additionally, the recent re-establishment of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China, contributed to the restoration of relations with Damascus. Iraq’s prime minister also made a significant visit to Syria, marking the first trip by an Arab leader since the start of the Arab Spring.

As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the decision to readmit Syria into the Arab League in May triggered anger among residents of opposition-held areas and the political opposition, who perceive it as a validation of the government’s attacks during the long-lasting conflict.

While President Erdogan has expressed openness to talks with President al-Assad, he made it clear that a demand for troop withdrawal would be unacceptable. The complex situation in Syria remains a focal point for regional dynamics, with Arab states increasingly seeking to normalize ties with Damascus. The ongoing geopolitical shifts and the re-entry of Syria into the Arab League have provoked varied reactions among Syrians and the international community.