High-level discussions on mending ties between Ankara and Damascus after years of hostility during Syria’s conflict took place in Moscow with the foreign ministers of Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran.
Written by Chris Muhizi Minembwe Capital News 9:00pm kampala Time
Syria key backing is Moscow, and Russia has pushed for peace with Turkey. The northwest of Syria is home to areas controlled by opposition forces, including those supported by Turkey.
The Syrian state news agency SANA cited Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as stating that “despite all the negatives of the past years, there is an opportunity” for Damascus and Ankara to cooperate.
The deputy foreign ministers of the two nations will be entrusted with creating a roadmap, according to a statement from Russia’s foreign ministry, which noted that there had been a “positive and constructive atmosphere” between them.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hoped during his opening remarks that the conference would open the door to creating a roadmap for improving ties between Syria and Turkey.
Lavrov stated that he believes Moscow must “not only consolidate politically the progress that has been made, but also establish broad principles for further movement.”
The necessity for “cooperation in the fight against terrorism and working together to establish the basis for the return of Syrians” was emphasised during the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated in a tweet.
Mevlut said that “advancing the Syrian political process and safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity” were among the other topics highlighted.