UPDATE - Türkiye expects SDF to comply with March 10 deal in Syria: Foreign minister

UPDATE WITH FIDAN'S REMARKS ON COOPERATION WITH INDONESIA, TALKS ON REGIONAL CRISES, GAZA

By Asiye Latife Yilmaz and Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye expects the terrorist organization YPG/SDF to comply with the March 10 agreement in Syria and fulfill its obligations, said Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday.

Speaking at a Türkiye-Indonesia joint foreign and defense ministers meeting in the capital Ankara, Fidan also stressed that ensuring public order in Syria is extremely important for public peace and welfare, and that the fight against terrorism must continue in the most effective manner.

“We are closely monitoring where things stand at the latest stage and what is being done,” he said, adding that he held talks earlier in the day with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Türkiye views Syria’s security as its own and continues to support Syria’s fight against terrorist organizations, its unity and territorial integrity.

On March 10, 2025, the Syrian presidency announced the signing of an agreement for the SDF’s integration into state institutions, reaffirming the country's territorial unity and rejecting any attempts at division.

Authorities said in the months since, the SDF has not shown any efforts to meet the terms of the agreement.

The government has intensified efforts to maintain security across the country since the ouster of the Assad regime in December 2024, after 24 years in power.

- Türkiye-Indonesia strategic cooperation

Fidan said Türkiye and Indonesia reviewed all aspects of their strategic cooperation following the meeting hosted with Guler, alongside Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

The talks reaffirmed a shared vision on bilateral, regional, and global issues, he added, describing Indonesia as “a strong partner” and stressing that Türkiye would “continue to deepen political and security cooperation with a comprehensive approach.”

Fidan emphasized that Türkiye and Indonesia are determined to raise bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, saying: “In this context, we aim to deepen our strategic cooperation in contracting, energy, health, and halal food sectors.”

He added that Türkiye is strengthening its engagement in the Asia-Pacific under the “Asia Anew” initiative, reaffirming its commitment to elevating relations with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to dialogue partnership level.

The Turkish foreign minister recalled Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s February visit to Jakarta and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s April visit to Türkiye, saying leaders instructed their respective sides to advance ties to the highest level.

Fidan also extended condolences to Indonesia over last month’s landslides and floods in the country’s Sumatra region.

The Turkish defense minister also said that Türkiye and Indonesia agreed to further strengthen cooperation in defense and defense industries through concrete projects and long-term partnerships.

- Regional crises, Gaza in focus

Fidan said the ministers also exchanged views on developments in Palestine, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria.

He said the issue of Palestine and Gaza was a top priority, noting that Türkiye and Indonesia are among the eight members of the OIC-Arab League contact group on Gaza and have worked closely together over the past two years, with Indonesia contributing to all outcomes achieved so far.

Fidan stressed that the experience showed Islamic countries can make real progress when they demonstrate initiative, courage, effort, and sincerity in addressing issues affecting their own regions.