Erdogan says Damascus-SDF deal in Syria relieves pressure on Turkish peace process with PKK

ISTANBUL, Feb 5 (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said an agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's northeast had helped relieve pressure on a peace process between the Turkish state and Kurdish PKK militants at home.

Speaking to reporters on his return flight from visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Erdogan said the SDF adhering to the accord would strengthen the atmosphere of peace in Syria and help achieve stability.

Turkey has been engaged in a peace process with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group for months and says the SDF, which it also views as a terrorist organisation, must disband and disarm along with the PKK.