Ankara: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Monday hailed the dissolution of the PKK terror group as a step towards restoring security and ending repeated violence in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Shaibani emphasized the importance of military and security coordination between Syria, Trkiye, and Jordan during a joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish and Jordanian counterparts Hakan Fidan and Ayman Safadi. He stated, "This partnership is no longer optional; it is an urgent necessity."
Shaibani also expressed strong condemnation of repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, labeling them as "systematic violations of international law and blatant provocations." He reaffirmed Syria's stance on its territorial integrity, stating, "Syria's territorial unity is non-negotiable. Syria is a sovereign, indivisible state, and it will remain so."
The Syrian leadership is working towards a national agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to unify territories under central state authority. Shaibani acknowledged the complexity of the process but stressed its necessity to avoid instability, foreign interference, and separatist tendencies.
In a significant political development, Shaibani announced the formation of a national parliament reflecting Syria's diversity, marking a milestone towards legitimate governance. He also shared plans for reopening the Syrian Embassy in Ankara and establishing a consulate in Gaziantep, signaling a strengthening of ties with Trkiye.
An agreement with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was also announced, aiming to hold a high-level summit in Damascus soon. Shaibani appealed for the reassessment of sanctions on Syria to facilitate the return of refugees.
The PKK's decision to dissolve follows a call from jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, marking an end to the group's 40-year terror campaign. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths. Trkiye's AK Party spokesman Omer Celik noted this move as a significant step towards a "terror-free Trkiye."