Official statements from Turkish government or credible news sources

Erdogan Meets Blinken in Ankara, Vows Preventive Measures Against PKK/YPG, Agrees on Non-Sectarian Syrian Government

Dec 13, 2024, 08:20 AM

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at Esenboğa Airport in Ankara to discuss the situation in Syria. Erdogan conveyed clear messages regarding Syria, emphasizing Turkey's priority of achieving stability and peace by eliminating terrorist organizations such as PKK/YPG and ISIS. He stated that Turkey would not allow PKK and its extensions to exploit the situation on the ground and that preventive measures will be taken against these groups. Blinken and Erdogan discussed the potential Turkish and American roles in the future of Syria and agreed on the need for a non-sectarian Syrian government that protects minority rights, dismantles chemical weapons, and does not pose a threat to its neighbors. They also discussed the importance of continuing efforts to keep ISIS under control. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also met with Blinken, where they focused on Syria. Fidan reiterated Turkey's aim to achieve stability and peace in Syria and to eliminate terrorist organizations in the region.