Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin deliver statements following the Türkiye-Indonesia Joint Meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers in Ankara, Türkiye, on Jan. 9, 2026. ( Turkish Foreign Ministry / Handout – Anadolu Agency )
January 09, 2026 10:38 PM GMT+03:00
Türkiye’s foreign and defense ministers expressed expectations for terror group SDF to comply with the March 10 agreement during a joint ministerial meeting with Indonesian counterparts in Ankara, as both nations discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and regional security challenges.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of maintaining public order in Syria for the welfare and security of its citizens, stating that counter-terrorism efforts must continue effectively. He noted that Ankara expects the SDF to fulfill its obligations under the March 10 agreement as soon as possible.
The statement came during a Türkiye-Indonesia Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers Joint Meeting, a first-of-its-kind gathering between the two countries, held in the Turkish capital with Defense Minister Yasar Guler also in attendance.
Syrian forces take security measures and patrol in the Ashrafieh neighborhood after the army took control of most of the area previously held by the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which is operating under the name SDF in central Aleppo, Syria, Jan. 9, 2026. (AA Photo)
Syria operations welcomed by Ankara
Defense Minister Guler announced that the Syrian government has launched counter-terrorism operations in Aleppo against terrorist activities, targeting all terror groups. He described the operation as having been received with satisfaction by Türkiye.
Guler reaffirmed Türkiye’s position on Syria’s security, stating that Ankara views Syria’s security as its own. He emphasized support for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity based on the principle of one state, one army, in its fight against terrorist organizations.
Fidan noted that he had met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hasan Seybani earlier the same day to closely monitor recent developments. He stressed that maintaining public order in Syria remains critically important for the welfare and peace of its people.
Strategic partnership aims for expanded trade
The ministerial meeting addressed multiple dimensions of the strategic cooperation between Türkiye and Indonesia, with both sides expressing determination to raise bilateral trade volume to $10 billion. Fidan outlined plans to deepen strategic cooperation in contracting, energy, healthcare and halal food sectors.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono characterized Türkiye as a strategic partner for Indonesia, noting that his country maintains regular dialogue at this level with only a few partner nations. He emphasized the meeting’s strategic importance, stating that discussions covered key bilateral priorities and economic cooperation.
The talks followed high-level exchanges between the two nations, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Jakarta in February 2025 for the first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s reciprocal visit to Türkiye in April.
Multilateral cooperation and regional focus
Both ministers emphasized continued cooperation on multilateral platforms, with particular focus on Türkiye’s initiative to elevate relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to dialogue partnership status. Sugiono confirmed Indonesia’s full support for Türkiye’s goal of becoming an ASEAN dialogue partner, expressing strong interest in concrete ASEAN-Türkiye cooperation, especially in economic areas.
Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s comprehensive Asia-Pacific mission through its Reconnecting with Asia initiative, stating that cooperation with countries and regional organizations in Asia continues to strengthen on a mutually beneficial basis. He noted that having a strong partner like Indonesia in the region is gratifying for Türkiye.
The ministers discussed regional developments extensively, with Gaza and Palestine topping the agenda. Both countries serve as members of the eight-nation contact group formed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League. Fidan praised the two-year cooperation with Indonesia on Gaza issues, stating that when Islamic countries show the necessary initiative, courage and sincerity in addressing issues in their regions, real progress can be achieved.
Sugiono announced that Indonesia will assume the rotating presidency of the D8 organization, inviting President Erdogan and his delegation to attend the summit in Jakarta later this year. He stated that Indonesia will establish D8 as a platform capable of creating more concrete economic cooperation.
The defense ministers agreed that the increasingly complex and interconnected international security environment requires closer dialogue, cooperation and strengthened multilateral mechanisms to ensure global peace and stability. They reached consensus on the need to strengthen international coordination to enhance the effectiveness of mechanisms such as peacekeeping operations.
Guler emphasized that the deepening cooperation between Türkiye and Indonesia across a wide range of areas, including defense, military and security issues, serves the mutual interests and expectations of both countries while contributing to regional and global peace and stability.
January 09, 2026 10:38 PM GMT+03:00