Erdoğan suggests inviting Assad to Türkiye: A new diplomatic era?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hinted at a significant diplomatic shift by suggesting a potential invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This invitation, Erdoğan indicated, could coincide with a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Türkiye, marking a new phase in regional diplomacy.

“We might have an invitation for Bashar al-Assad along with President Putin. If Putin visits Türkiye, this could initiate a new process,” Erdoğan said, in a recent in-flight press briefing on his return from Kazakhstan.

The suggestion of inviting Assad followed Erdoğan’s earlier comments on the possibility of rekindling diplomatic relations with Syria.

He emphasized “the necessity of establishing a lasting solution” to the prolonged conflict that has devastated Syria, stating, “The prolonged instability has clearly shown the need for a permanent solution. Syria’s infrastructure is destroyed, and its people are scattered. It is crucial for Syria to rebuild and for instability to end.”

Following Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s meeting with Putin in Moscow on June 11, Assad suggested a potential meeting with Erdoğan, contingent on the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria—a condition not accepted by Erdoğan, who has linked the presence of Turkish forces to the threat posed by the PKK/PYD/YPG.

Assad invitation amid anti-Türkiye demonstrations

Erdoğan’s comments come amid a backdrop of recent tensions, notably the unrest triggered by a sexual harassment case in Kayseri, which led to anti-Türkiye demonstrations in Syria’s Turkish-controlled areas.

These demonstrations, involving opposition groups that have long received Turkish support, quickly escalated into actions such as tearing Turkish flags and firing at Turkish military vehicles and buildings.

This reaction highlights the growing complexities of Türkiye’s current Syria policy, which has become increasingly unsustainable since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Speaking to journalists Erdoğan highlighted the importance of “maintaining a pragmatic approach” pointing out the ongoing terror threats.

Terror emphasis

“The cooperation in eradicating these terrorist entities is vital for Syria’s future,” Erdoğan asserted adding “The recent tranquility on the ground, coupled with intelligent policies and unbiased, solution-oriented approaches, can pave the way for peace. It is a problem that the instability in the region has provided a breeding ground for terrorist organizations.”

“Syria’s democratic infrastructure, achieving an inclusive and honorable peace, and approaching all these issues on the basis of Syria’s territorial integrity are crucial. The peace winds blowing in Syria and the peace climate that will prevail throughout Syria are essential for the return of millions of people scattered to various countries. We have always extended a hand of friendship to our neighbor Syria and will continue to do so. We will always stand by a prosperous, unified Syria that embraces a new social contract based on justice, honor, and inclusivity,” he said.

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s position against the “establishment of any terrorist entity near its borders” in his previous statements.

“Turkey is determined not to allow the establishment of a ‘terroristan’ just beyond its borders,” Erdoğan had declared.

His comments also addressed the longstanding efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate a meeting between Erdoğan and Assad, a move that has been on the table for several years.