Türkiye stresses commitment to Syrian stability, denies military base claims

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has addressed rumours about the establishment of Turkish military bases in Syria, reaffirming that Türkiye’s primary goal is to preserve Syria's territorial integrity.

Zeki Aktürk, head of the ministry's press service, clarified that Türkiye remains committed to ensuring Syria's stability and addressing the terrorist threat, particularly from the PYD/YPG in northern Syria, Caliber.Az reports.

Millî Savunma Bakanlığının Haftalık Basın Bilgilendirme Toplantısı, Kış Tatbikatı-2025 dolayısıyla Şehit İstihkâm Astsubay Kıdemli Üstçavuş İlhan Hamlı Atışlı Tatbikat Alanı/Kars’ta gerçekleştirildi. Basın ve Halkla İlişkiler Müşaviri ve Bakanlık Sözcüsü Tuğamiral Zeki Aktürk… pic.twitter.com/keFno4BM9j

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) February 6, 2025

“Our priority is to support Syria’s territorial integrity and maintain stability while preventing terrorism,” Aktürk stated.

He also expressed support for the efforts of Syria’s new government to stabilize and normalize relations across the country. “We are ready to provide all possible assistance within the scope of our ministry to help achieve these goals,” he added.

Aktürk revealed that a recent contact meeting took place last week, where both Türkiye and Syria agreed on the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and its security against terrorism. He emphasized that press reports regarding military bases should be viewed with caution, stating it’s premature to comment on such issues at this stage.

In line with these discussions, Aktürk confirmed that a joint roadmap would be created to help develop the capabilities of Syria's military, in cooperation with the new Syrian government.

The diplomatic engagements between the two countries continue to progress, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently discussed significant regional issues.

On February 5, they reached agreements focused on strategic cooperation, including the relocation and reopening of border crossings controlled by the PKK along the Turkish-Syrian border, as well as the management of crucial dams and oil and gas fields. This marks a new phase in Turkish-Syrian relations, signalling a coordinated effort toward regional stability and reconstruction.

By Tamilla Hasanova