ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated support for his Syrian counterpart, vowing not to 'leave al-Sharaa alone,' rejected fragmentation in Syria, and called recovery of the war-torn country beneficial for Türkiye.

“At a time when even unlikely actors are coming together on Syria, it's crucial to explain to the world that Israel is disrupting efforts to restore stability,” Erdogan told reporters on his return flight from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) late Sunday. He travelled to TRNC to mark the 51st anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation, known as Peace and Freedom Day.

Ankara has supported the transitional setup in Syria led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took charge after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

On ceasefire in Syria's Suwayda, the city which recently saw clashes between Bedouin tribes and the minority Druze and later an intervention by Israel, Erdogan said his Syrian counterpart has maintained a firm stance, with no signs of compromise so far.

“The Syrian people, across all parts of society, have learned from the suffering they have endured in the past and have no intention of falling for these games. Here, they have achieved reconciliation between the Druze and other segments of society,” Erdogan said.

"Israel does not want stability in the region. It believes that a unified Syria would not be in its interest and continues with such provocations," he added.

Cyprus Issue

Commenting on the Cyprus issue, the Turkish leader said he has no plans to visit Southern Cyprus, stressing: “Just as they do not recognize TRNC as a state, we don't recognize Southern Cyprus as a state.”

He reiterated that the key to resolving the Cyprus dispute lies in a two-state solution, with “no compromise” on this position.

"Not a single drop of blood has been shed on the island for half a century. This peaceful environment will continue for many years to come with Türkiye's unwavering support. The Turkish Cypriots will live freely in their homeland forever," he said.

EU relations

On the sale of Eurofighter jets to Türkiye, Erdogan said the UK and Germany have taken a “positive” stance.

He said the European Union should not wait even for a day to revive and advance Türkiye's accession negotiations.

“We expect them to understand that it is not possible to advance relations with the ambivalent attitude we have seen so many times before. Considering the events in Europe and its surroundings, as well as the differences of opinion within the EU, it will become clear that the union needs a dynamic and solution-oriented member such as Türkiye,” he said.

“As Türkiye, we are ready for full membership,” Erdogan said, adding that “breaking free from outdated, obsessive political views could be a move that embraces a new era for the European Union."

Dire humanitarian situation in Gaza

Regarding Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, Erdogan said he believes the people of the enclave will not surrender, stressing “Israel is lashing out like a crazed monster, and will destroy itself in this fury.”

Erdogan emphasized that they are constantly monitoring the steps taken by the US on this issue, saying: “The US secretary of state and our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are in constant contact. The international community, which has consistently supported Israel, is no longer in a position to hide anything.”

“Everyone agrees on what needs to be done. They are pushing very hard for a ceasefire,” he said.