Turkish president warns of security threats from Syria, outlines path to Ukraine peace

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to regional stability, warning that his country will take all necessary measures to prevent any threats to its national security from Syrian territory.

Speaking to reporters  on his return flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, after attending the G20 leaders’ summit, Erdoğan emphasized the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and criticized Israel for actions he described as illegal and destabilizing, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

“The territorial integrity of Syria is of fundamental importance to us. The future of Syria will be decided by the Syrian people. Türkiye is a country that understands better than anyone the high cost of even the smallest disturbances and instability in Syria. We want peace, calm, and security across every square metre of our region, especially in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. The Israeli government knows that every step it takes in the region is illegal and a source of instability. Focus on what Türkiye is doing, not on what the Israeli press writes,” Erdoğan said, commenting on statements made by some Israeli officials directed at Ankara.

He further warned that should Türkiye again face threats to its national security emanating from Syria, it will respond decisively to prevent any escalation.

Turning to international diplomacy, Erdoğan also outlined Türkiye’s conditions for a potential peace agreement in Ukraine. Türkiye continues to demonstrate a constructive role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, building on its key involvement in the Istanbul process.

Erdoğan stressed that a compromise is feasible if the issues are agreed upon and a solid foundation is established for negotiations.

“An agreement will be possible if the plan meets the legitimate expectations of the parties and addresses their security needs without creating new instability. If frameworks that satisfy all parties are established, this could pave the way for a long-term resolution,” Erdoğan told journalists.

By Vafa Guliyeva