President Erdoğan Urges Syrian Unity, Warns Against 'Maximalist Demands'

Call for Reconciliation and Lasting Peace

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on all parties in Syria to prioritize reconciliation and avoid steps that could threaten lasting peace in the war-torn country. Speaking at his party's parliamentary group meeting in Ankara on February 11, 2026, Erdoğan stressed that a roadmap for stability has emerged and that Syria's wealth must serve all its people.

The President's remarks underscored Türkiye's consistent position that any initiative contributing to peace and stability in Syria, while safeguarding its territorial integrity and political unity, is 'reasonable and acceptable'. He reiterated Ankara's sincere desire for Syria to restore domestic peace as swiftly as possible.

Emphasis on Unity and Reconstruction

Erdoğan urged factions to embrace reconciliation and reject 'maximalist demands' that could undermine the prospect of durable peace. He highlighted the importance of solving Syria's crisis on the basis of 'one army, one state, and one Syria'. The Turkish leader also emphasized that the period of conflict must give way to an era of reconstruction and economic recovery, stating, 'It is time for Syria's resources and above- and below-ground wealth to be used for the prosperity of all segments of society, not for digging tunnels under cities.'

He further conveyed a heartfelt message regarding the human tragedy, saying, 'Every drop of blood shed breaks our hearts, regardless of Arab, Turkmen, Kurd or Nusayri; every life lost in Syria feels like losing a part of ourselves.' This statement reflects Ankara's long-standing position that Syria's diverse ethnic and sectarian composition must be preserved, ensuring no community is excluded from the country's future.

Regional Stability and Turkish Stance

President Erdoğan also addressed Türkiye's role in the region, rejecting narratives that portray Ankara as seeking dominance in Syrian affairs. He affirmed, 'Türkiye is not seeking influence in the region and has no desire to shape other countries; on the contrary, we sincerely seek brotherhood.' This reaffirms Türkiye's policy of prioritizing territorial integrity and political unity in Syria.

These calls for unity and reconciliation come amid recent developments, including a ceasefire and expanded integration agreement signed on January 30 between Damascus and the YPG terror group, which involves Syrian Interior Ministry forces entering the city of Hasakah. Türkiye has expressed hope that such agreements, which foresee the merging of Kurdish-run regions with Damascus, will be implemented without delay.

Conclusion

President Erdoğan's recent statements underscore Türkiye's commitment to a stable, unified, and sovereign Syria. He warned that 'if there is fire, conflict, or war beyond our borders, Türkiye cannot feel secure,' and vowed that Türkiye would stand firmly against 'merchants of blood who fuel conflict, invest in tension, and disregard human life.' The Turkish President's remarks signal a continued push for a comprehensive and lasting peace in Syria, benefiting all its people and contributing to broader regional security.