The leader of the Kurdish forces controlling northeastern Syria stated on Friday that his group is in direct communication with Turkey and is open to improving relations, including the possibility of meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
This statement marked a significant diplomatic gesture by Mazloum Abdi, the head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has previously clashed with Turkish forces and allied Syrian opposition fighters during Syria’s protracted civil war.
Turkey has long considered the main Kurdish faction within the SDF as synonymous with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which recently announced it would disband after decades of armed conflict with the Turkish state.
Speaking to the regional broadcaster Shams TV, Abdi confirmed that communication channels with Turkey exist, both directly and through intermediaries. He expressed hope that these contacts would grow into a more developed relationship.
“We have direct and mediated communication with Turkey, and we hope this can progress further,” he said. Turkish authorities have not yet publicly responded to his statements.
Abdi acknowledged the history of conflict between his forces and Turkish-backed groups but noted that a ceasefire has held for the past two months. He expressed hope that the current pause in hostilities might evolve into a lasting peace.
When asked about a potential meeting with Erdogan, Abdi said there were no immediate plans but added, “I am not against it. We are not at war with Turkey, and future relations could be possible. We are open to dialogue.”
Reports on Friday indicated that Ankara had proposed a meeting between Abdi and a senior Turkish official, possibly the foreign minister or intelligence chief. However, a Turkish diplomatic source dismissed these claims, stating they were inaccurate without providing further details.
In December, a ceasefire agreement was brokered by the United States after clashes erupted as opposition forces advanced on Damascus and overthrew the Syrian government. Later, in March, Abdi signed an agreement with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to integrate the semi-autonomous northeast into national institutions centered in Damascus.
Turkish President Erdogan recently accused the SDF of delaying the implementation of this agreement. In the interview, Abdi rejected claims that his forces had any links to Israel.
“Such accusations have been made, but I am stating clearly that we have no connection with Israel,” he said. Nonetheless, he emphasized the group’s interest in building positive relations with neighboring countries. When asked if that included Israel, he responded, “with everyone.”
