Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on Friday that his group has direct communication with Turkey and is open to improving relations, even expressing willingness to meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. This marks a major shift in tone following years of conflict during Syria’s prolonged civil war.
In an interview with regional broadcaster Shams TV, Abdi confirmed the existence of direct and mediated communication channels with Ankara. “We have direct ties… and we hope that these ties are developed,” he stated. He also noted that while the SDF and Turkish forces had previously fought intense battles, a two-month truce has held and could potentially become permanent.
Although there are no current plans for a meeting with Erdogan, Abdi said, “I am not opposed… We are not in a state of war with Turkey, and in the future, ties could be developed between us.”
The comments come shortly after the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey views as indistinguishable from the SDF’s core, announced its disbandment following decades of conflict. Turkey has not officially responded to Abdi’s remarks. Meanwhile, Al-Monitor reported that Turkey proposed a meeting between Abdi and a high-ranking Turkish official, though Ankara denied the report.
In December, a U.S.-mediated ceasefire was established between Turkey and the SDF. In March, Abdi signed an agreement with Syria’s interim government to integrate northeast Syria into national institutions, but Erdogan recently accused the SDF of stalling implementation.
Addressing speculation about ties with Israel, Abdi denied any such connections but reiterated support for peaceful relations with neighboring countries, stating, “with everyone,” when asked if that included Israel.