Erdogan declares Türkiye’s support for peace and unity in Syria

2026-02-02 - 18:15

In a significant address following a Cabinet meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan outlined Türkiye’s firm commitment to a peaceful and unified future for neighboring Syria. Speaking in Ankara on Monday, Erdogan emphasized that any initiative contributing to lasting stability and safeguarding Syria’s political and territorial wholeness is viewed as reasonable and acceptable by Türkiye. He framed this position as a sincere desire for Syria to restore domestic peace and for broader regional reconciliation. A clear endorsement of diplomatic progress President Erdogan pointed to recent developments as a positive turning point, stating that "the latest agreements have opened a new chapter for the Syrian people." This endorsement signals Türkiye’s support for diplomatic processes aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict. He coupled this support with a stark warning, declaring that "whoever attempts to undermine this will be crushed under it," underscoring Ankara’s determination to see the peace process succeed and to counter spoilers. A regional vision of stability and solidarity Expanding the scope of his remarks, Erdogan positioned Türkiye as a consistent advocate for harmony across the region. He affirmed that "Ankara supports peace, stability, reconciliation, and solidarity among peoples across every part of our region." This statement reinforces Türkiye’s foreign policy doctrine of prioritizing diplomatic solutions and regional cooperation, aiming to move beyond cycles of conflict and tension that have characterized the Middle East in recent years. A vow against "merchants of blood" The president concluded with a forceful pledge against those who profit from instability. He vowed that "Türkiye will stand firmly against merchants of blood who fuel conflict, invest in tension, and disregard human life." This rhetoric draws a clear line between Türkiye’s stated peace-building role and what it perceives as destructive forces, whether local militias, terrorist organizations, or external powers seen as exacerbating conflicts for strategic or economic benefit. It frames Türkiye’s involvement as a principled stance for humanitarian and security outcomes.