President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey welcomes steps to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state structures after a U.S.-backed ceasefire. He told reporters on his return flight from Ethiopia that Ankara is closely monitoring the process and providing guidance and technical assistance to support implementation. Erdogan framed the move as a positive step toward stabilising the region.
Erdogan Welcomes Steps To Integrate Kurdish-Led SDF Into Syrian State After U.S.-Backed Ceasefire
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of male and female dormitories at Bogazici University, in Istanbul, Turkey, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he welcomed recent moves in neighbouring Syria to fold the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into official state structures following a U.S.-backed ceasefire reached late last month.
What Erdogan Said
In a readout of remarks he made to reporters on his return flight from Ethiopia, Erdogan said Ankara is closely monitoring the integration measures and is offering guidance and technical advice to help implement the agreement. He described the steps as positive developments in stabilising the region.
Erdogan (as reported): "We are following the integration steps closely and providing guidance on implementation."
Context
The SDF is a Kurdish-led force that has been backed by the United States in the fight against Islamic State. The recent U.S.-backed ceasefire between the parties opened the door for political and administrative steps to bring parts of northeastern Syria back under central state control.
Reporting: Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing: Jonathan Spicer. (Reuters)
Help us improve.
