Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently expressed optimism about the possibility of rapprochement with Syria, highlighting the need for stability and cooperation between the neighboring countries. Speaking during his return from diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, Erdoğan emphasized his willingness to normalize relations with Syrian President Bashar Assad, underlining the importance of such relations for both nations. "I am still hopeful about Assad. I still have hope to come together and hopefully put Syria-Turkey relations back on track," Erdoğan stated.
The backdrop to these hopeful remarks goes back more than ten years, to when relations soured dramatically following the outbreak of Syria's civil war. Turkey supported various opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Assad regime, which led to accusations from Damascus of Turkish interference aimed at destabilizing the region. To counter perceived threats from these groups, Turkey has conducted several military incursions and currently maintains forces in northwestern Syria, actions condemned by the Assad government.
Erdoğan, speaking to reporters, articulated his concerns about Syria’s territorial integrity, contending, "We are not the ones threatening Syria's territorial integrity. Terrorists, primarily the terrorist organization PKK/PYD/YPG, threaten Syria's territorial integrity.” These groups, linked to the PKK—which Turkey labels as terrorists—are alleged to threaten stability along Turkey's southern border. "We believe normalizing ties will open the door to peace and tranquility in Syria," he added.
Part of Erdoğan's strategy appears focused on returning Syrian refugees. Turkey is home to millions of Syrians who fled the conflict, and Erdoğan has consistently stated the importance of their safe return. The Turkish government has made significant efforts to establish shelter and infrastructure within Syria, including plans to create a 30-kilometer deep buffer zone aimed at enhancing security measures against terrorist threats and facilitating refugee resettlement.
“We have made certain progress in this regard. We continue to build homes in northern Syria,” Erdoğan said. This construction aims to create conditions conducive to the return of displaced persons who fled the violence back home. The Turkish president also mentioned the military's successes against terrorist organizations, stressing the necessity of maintaining security along the border. "Cross-border operations are always on our agenda for the security of our country and comfort of our people," he reiterated.
The shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning the Kurdish groups, play several roles in Erdoğan's approach to reconciliation with Assad. Russia, which has historically backed Assad, has urged improved diplomatic relations between Ankara and Damascus. The two countries' defense ministers have even met, marking the first such talks since 2011, indicating potential at least for dialogue. Meanwhile, Erdoğan's government has pointed to the changing threat environment as imperative for reassessing relations. “The Israeli threat next door is no fairy tale. We must not forget instability spreads quickly through volatile lands,” he cautioned.
Challenges remain, especially considering conditions set forth by Assad, who insists on the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria as part of any reconciliation. During the recent Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh, Erdoğan and Assad's presence alongside each other reflected both the enduring tensions and the potential for dialogue, though Erdoğan left as Assad began to address the attendees, which some interpreted as avoidance.
Despite these hurdles, Erdoğan insists hope is not lost. His government continues to extend its hand toward normalization, envisioning it as integral to the broader goal of peace not only within Syria but throughout the region. If successful, this process could potentially reshape the relationships not just between Turkey and Syria but all involved nations, reinforcing the idea of collaboration against mutual threats.
Diplomats from Russia, Turkey, and Syria are maintaining dialogue to navigate these complex interactions, addressing security concerns head-on. While Erdoğan remains determined to strengthen ties with Syria, any movement forward will require consistent coordination with Russian mediators and sensitive negotiations between Turkey and Assad’s government.
