Former Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu discusses peace process, Kurdish relations, and regional issues in interview with Kurdistan24

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In an in-depth interview with Kurdistan24, Ahmet Davutoglu, leader of Turkey’s Future Party and former Prime Minister, shared his insights on a range of pressing issues, from Turkey’s peace process and the Kurdish situation to the country’s relations with the Kurdistan Region and Syria.

Davutoglu emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region, suggesting that such a relationship could positively influence Turkey’s own Kurdish issue. "Good relations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region will help improve the situation and address the Kurdish issue in the region," Davutoglu stated, describing the Kurdistan Region as a "bridge between Turkey and Iraq."

Reflecting on Turkey’s peace process with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Davutoglu highlighted the need for comprehensive democracy in Turkey as a foundation for lasting peace. "We started the peace process in 2009, but its failure stems from the lack of universal democracy in Turkey," he said. "I believe that all ethnic and religious communities are equal in a democratic society, and a new era of peace is essential to ending terrorism." He pointed out the role of nationalist opposition figures, such as Devlet Bahçeli, in complicating efforts for reconciliation during previous peace initiatives.

Addressing his tenure as Turkey's Foreign Minister, Davutoglu recalled the cooperative relationship between Turkey and Syria before the Arab Spring, during which the two countries signed 52 agreements in 2009. However, following Syria’s response to the 2011 uprisings, which included attacks on cities and the alleged use of chemical weapons, relations sharply deteriorated. "If I were in power now, I would prioritize a peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis," he said. "But Turkey has the right to take necessary measures if security threats arise."

On Turkey’s approach to foreign policy under US President Donald Trump, Davutoglu remarked on the unpredictability of Trump’s actions, which he noted sometimes went beyond established US institutions. "Trump is a political character full of surprises," he commented, "and has often acted above institutions in his previous term."

Davutoglu, who served as Turkey's Foreign Minister from 2009 to 2014 and Prime Minister from 2014 to 2016, now leads the Future Party, where he continues to advocate for diplomacy and democratic values in addressing regional challenges.