Turkey is ready to assume counter-terrorism role after the US leaves Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Thursday.
“Turkey is ready to take over responsibility in the fight against terrorist groups in Syria areas which the US will withdraw from,” Erdoğan said during his address at the US Chamber of Commerce and American-Turkish Council.
“THE TWO NATO ALLIES HAVE OVERCOME ALL PROBLEMS”
“The recent initiative that Trump took in Syria ruined the plans of those who are trying to axe the Turkey-US relations,” Erdoğan said. Turkey is “determined” to fight against all terrorist groups, particularly Daesh, threatening itself, the region and the world, he added.
US President Donald Trump made the unexpected decision in December to withdraw all 2.000 US troops from Syria, drawing criticism from many allies and security aides, including his own Cabinet.
On the bilateral relations, Erdoğan said that the two NATO allies have successfully overcome all problems and the resistance tests. The president also said Turkey and the US have a strong, comprehensive and strategic alliance based on common interests.