Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey will not allow Syria's fragmentation or harm to its territorial integrity if diplomacy to implement an integration deal between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and Syria's government fails.
"We have engaged all channels of diplomacy, both to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and prevent a terrorist structure from forming across our borders. We continue to use these channels with patience, sincerity, and common sense," Erdogan told an event to mark parliament's re-opening.
"If diplomatic initiatives are left unanswered, Turkey's policy and position are clear. Turkey will not allow a deja vu to take place in Syria," Erdogan added.
Rapidly increasing Turkish-Syrian ties
Turkey and Syria have been rapidly increasing their ties. Ankara backed Syrian rebels for many years and was opposed to the Assad regime.
Senior Syrian and Turkish officials met to discuss strengthening security coordination and boosting cooperation with Interpol, Syria's official news agency SANA reported earlier this month.
Trade between Syria and Turkey, and its importance to both countries, was raised by Syrian Transportation Minister Yarub Badr earlier this month.
Ankara considers the SDF a terrorist organization and has warned of military action if it does not integrate into Syria's state apparatus as per its agreement with Damascus.