Ankara: The Turkish Defense Ministry renewed its support for Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of the Syrian government’s calls for “one state and one army.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Defense Ministry’s Spokesperson, Zeki Akturk, emphasized in a press briefing that the Syrian government’s calls for “one state and one army” are necessary for the long-awaited climate of peace and stability in the region.

The Turkish Defense Ministry expressed its aspiration for full commitment to the agreement and its implementation on the ground as soon as possible to build a stable, secure, and terrorism-free Syria. Akturk stated that from the beginning, Turkey has supported the political unity and territorial integrity of Syria and will continue to do so, furthering this desire through a joint training and consulting memorandum of understanding signed recently.

Akturk highlighted that the Syrian government had signed an agreement with the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, known as the SDF, on March 10. However, the SDF has not implemented any of the terms of the agreement and continues its efforts to undermine Syria’s political and geographical unity. The SDF conference in Hasakah on August 8 and its separatist outcomes were cited as the latest example of its failure to adhere to the agreement concluded with the Syrian government.

He added that while the Syrian government is pursuing a comprehensive and inclusive approach to end all ethnic, religious, and sectarian divisions within the country, the provocative and separatist actions of the SDF obstruct this process.

In response to a question about the content of the memorandum signed by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, Akturk explained that it represents a continuation of Turkey’s determination to support Syria in the fight against terrorism and to strengthen its defense and security capabilities. The memorandum aims to coordinate and plan military cooperation and training, provide consultations, exchange information and expertise, and offer military equipment, weapons systems, logistical materials, and related services according to defense needs.

Akturk reiterated that Turkey will continue to support Syria in combating terrorism and strengthening its defense and security capabilities.