Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks focusing on regional cooperation, with a shared emphasis on Syria’s political future and the ongoing Gaza conflict. The discussions, which took place on December 12, 2024, included a commitment to fostering an “accountable” government in Syria, while addressing urgent humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
According to the US State Department, the two leaders discussed the necessity of supporting Syria’s territorial integrity and the formation of an inclusive government. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s stance on safeguarding Syria’s unity and expressed concerns over terrorism in the region, particularly from groups like PKK/PYD/YPG and Daesh, stressing Turkey’s role in combatting these threats.
Erdogan also called for international collaboration in Syria’s reconstruction and the revival of its institutions. He noted that Turkey, as the only NATO member to have fought Daesh directly, would not allow any gaps in the fight against terrorism in Syria.
The two leaders also focused on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the importance of humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Erdogan emphasized the necessity of a prisoner swap deal to facilitate increased humanitarian support for those besieged in Gaza.
Earlier in the day, Blinken had arrived in Ankara from Aqaba, Jordan, and went straight into discussions with Erdogan. The US Secretary’s visit follows Syria’s transitional government pledging to establish the “rule of law” following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Despite the Assad regime’s fall, Israel has intensified its occupation and strikes on Syrian territory, particularly in the Golan Heights, during its ongoing offensive in Gaza.
Following years of oppression and civil war, many Syrians around the world celebrated the end of Assad’s regime. The war, which displaced millions, also saw Turkey hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.
