Damascus: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have no intention of making significant progress in integration talks with the Damascus government, which is hindering developments in eastern Syria. Fidan stated in a press conference today with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, in Damascus: 'The SDF's coordination with Israel constitutes a major obstacle in the talks between the organization and Damascus.'

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan indicated that they held extensive discussions with Syrian officials, focusing on bilateral relations and the threats targeting regional security and the stability of Syria, emphasizing that 'the stability of Syria means the stability of Turkey.' He clarified that this is a matter of 'utmost importance' to Ankara. He reported that they also discussed the issue of the Kurdish PKK/YPG organization, which operates in Syria under the name "SDF," and the reasons for the organization's lack of progress in implementing the March 10th agreement.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, the Turkish Foreign Minister stated that they expect the second phase of the Gaza agreement to begin in the first weeks of 2026. He added that during the Miami meeting with officials from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, they discussed developments related to the Gaza agreement since its signing at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit. They also discussed the obstacles the agreement has faced and whether solutions to these crises have been reached. He noted that they also discussed the comprehensive transition to the second phase of the agreement.

Fidan explained that the American side presented preliminary studies on the reconstruction of Gaza during the Miami meeting, and he confirmed that they expressed their views and observations on these studies. Fidan also indicated that they exchanged views on how to activate the bodies stipulated in the "peace plan" for Gaza on the ground. Fidan stated that the priority for the next phase is to transfer the administration of Gaza to a mechanism composed of Palestinians. He pointed out that despite talk of a second phase, Israel continues to evade its obligations under the agreement, from the ceasefire to preventing the entry of agreed-upon quantities of food, medical, and shelter aid trucks.

For his part, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said that the delay in integrating the so-called "SDF" forces into the Syrian state is hindering the reconstruction of the eastern region of the country. Al-Shaibani indicated that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa "discussed important issues with the Turkish delegation, foremost among them economic and trade cooperation, especially after the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, in addition to strengthening intelligence and military cooperation and ensuring the return of refugees."

Regarding the security file and combating extremist organizations, al-Shaibani said: "We discussed combating terrorism and fighting ISIS and preventing its resurgence in Syria, and developing a joint vision regarding northeastern Syria, as threats to Syria's stability also threaten Trkiye's stability." Regarding the relationship with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Minister Al-Shaibani delivered a clear message, stating: "The March 10th agreement with the SDF reflects the Syrian government's desire to expedite integration and unify Syrian territory in a civilized manner. However, we have not witnessed any genuine commitment from them to implement this agreement."

He added: "We recently submitted a proposal to positively advance the agreement, and we received a response yesterday (Sunday). We are currently reviewing it." He emphasized that "the Jazeera region (in eastern Syria) is an integral part of Syria, and the state is giving it significant attention. Any delay in the SDF's integration negatively impacts and hinders reconstruction efforts. Integration must achieve a unified and civilized Syrian territory."

The Jazeera region of Syria is located in the eastern part of the country, bordered by the Euphrates River to the west and the Tigris River to the east. It comprises three governorates: Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah. Al-Shaibani affirmed that "relations between Syria and Turkey are strategic and are developing day by day in all sectors," noting that he discussed with his Turkish counterpart the voluntary return of Syrian refugees from Turkey and "the implementation of major economic projects that serve the interests of both countries."