Turkiye has strongly rejected a proposal to deploy French troops along the Syrian border to establish a secure zone aimed at easing tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Axar.az reports that this was shared by "Middle East Eye."

"Some small European countries participating in military operations in Syria under the US umbrella are attempting to advance their own interests by speaking out on certain issues, but this brings no real benefit to themselves or the region," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday during a live press conference in Istanbul.

He added "We do not engage with countries that try to hide behind America's power while advancing their own agendas."

Fidan emphasized that foreign SDF fighters supported by the U.S., including PKK members—even if they are Syrian citizens—must leave the country.

Fidan said that Turkiye would only take France's views on Syria seriously if Paris was willing to operate independently in Syria - without US support - by conducting military operations, establishing bases, and holding territory.

"If France intends to act in Syria, it should first repatriate, prosecute, and imprison its own citizens who are terrorists being held in Syrian camps," Fidan stated.