ISTANBUL

Türkiye is planning technical visits to Syria to assess its defense needs and prepare a joint roadmap, Defense Ministry sources said Thursday, also pushing back on claims Türkiye will send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

"In order to observe needs on the ground for strengthening Syria’s defense capacity and to create a joint roadmap, technical visits have been planned," the ministry sources said, taking journalists’ questions at a weekly press briefing.

The ministry also said a Joint Training and Consultancy Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Aug. 13 with the aim of boosting Syria’s defense capacity and creating concrete military cooperation.

It added that "within the framework of the agreement, the process of restructuring the Syrian Armed Forces has gained momentum; training, consultancy, technical support and reciprocal visits have been initiated."

The activities are being carried out in coordination with the Syrian Defense Ministry, including a visit by its Training Department head to Türkiye’s National Defense University and follow-up training initiatives at Syria’s request.

Türkiye views Syria’s stability as "critical for regional peace" and continues to support the principle of "One State, One Army," the sources said, noting that cooperation is expected to expand in the future with more visits and training.

Türkiye 'produces peace and stability'

The ministry also dismissed reports that Türkiye is preparing to send troops to Ukraine as part of possible security guarantees if the war is ended.

"On the claim that Türkiye will send peacekeepers to Ukraine, it would not be sound or accurate to make an assessment based on projections that have not yet been placed on a concrete basis," the sources said.

The sources also stressed that Ankara supports initiatives aimed at peace but warned against speculation.

"Türkiye is a country that produces peace and stability in its region and tries to contribute to all initiatives in this direction.

"However, between Russia and Ukraine, first a ceasefire must be achieved, then the framework of a mission with a clearly defined mandate must be determined, and the extent of each country’s contribution must be clarified," the sources said.

'Mutual respect' between Türkiye and Japan

The ministry also noted that Defense Minister Yasar Guler held talks with his Japanese counterpart Nakatani Gen in Ankara on Tuesday during his visit to Türkiye.

"In a sincere and constructive atmosphere, the ministers discussed enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, contributing to regional and global stability, and developing existing and potential defense industry partnerships," the ministry said.

It added that the exchange of views, rooted in the "deep friendship based on historical ties and mutual respect between Türkiye and Japan," is expected to strengthen military relations and advance practical steps in defense dialogue and cooperation "for the benefit of both peoples."