Syrian Kurdistan military chief open to meeting Erdogan

QAMISHLO,— The top commander of Kurdish-led forces in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), said on Friday that his group is in direct contact with Turkey and is prepared to consider improving ties, potentially including a future meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

General Mazloum Abdi, who leads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), made the comments during an interview aired Friday on Shams TV, a regional broadcaster. The remarks mark a rare public overture amid years of hostilities between the two sides.

“We have direct lines of communication with Turkey, and we also speak through intermediaries,” Abdi said. “We hope these channels will evolve into more meaningful engagement.” Turkish officials did not immediately respond to the statements.

The SDF, which operates as the de facto military arm of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria of Rojava, has previously clashed with Turkish forces and Turkish-backed Syrian militias during Syria’s prolonged civil war, now entering its 14th year.

Turkey views the core faction within the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group banned in Turkey. Earlier this month, the PKK announced its dissolution following decades of insurgency. The SDF denies any affiliation with the PKK.

In the interview, Abdi acknowledged the history of conflict but said the fighting had ceased over the past two months due to a truce. He voiced hope that the ceasefire, brokered with U.S. mediation in December, might lead to lasting peace.

While Abdi said no meeting with Erdogan is scheduled, he emphasized willingness. “We’re not in a state of war with Turkey,” he said. “If circumstances allow, there could be room for dialogue and cooperation.”

Al-Monitor reported Friday that Turkish officials had floated the possibility of a meeting between Abdi and either Turkey’s foreign minister or intelligence chief. However, a Turkish diplomatic source denied the claim, calling it “untrue” without offering further details.

Abdi also addressed recent criticism by Turkish leaders, including Erdogan’s accusation that the SDF was delaying implementation of a political agreement signed in March. That deal, signed with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, would integrate the semi-autonomous Kurdish-led administration into national institutions in Damascus.

In the same interview, Abdi rejected allegations of cooperation with Israel. “We have no relations with Israel,” he said. “This is something we’ve been accused of falsely.”

Still, Abdi noted his administration seeks positive relations with neighboring states. When asked if that includes Israel, he replied, “with everyone.”

The Autonomous Administration, officially formed in 2018, governs the Syrian Kurdistan region based on decentralized governance, gender equality, secularism, and environmental sustainability. The administration has gained international recognition for its democratic structure and has been widely respected for advancing women’s participation in politics and grassroots decision-making.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)