Moscow to host defense ministers, intelligence chiefs of Turkey, Russia, Syria, Iran
Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says Moscow will host a new round of meeting among the defense ministers and intelligence chiefs of Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran as part of efforts made to normalize relations between Ankara and Damascus.
Akar said on Monday that the quadrilateral meeting would be held in Moscow on Tuesday, adding, "Our aim is to solve the problems through negotiations and bring peace and tranquility to the region as soon as possible."
He noted that the four countries' defense ministers and intelligence heads held talks in Moscow in December last year and decided to continue the meetings.
"Later, views were exchanged on the participation of Iran in these meetings. This was approved by the relevant authorities," the Turkish defense official said.
He emphasized that the meetings are expected to result in several positive steps.
In his remarks, he also voiced Ankara's determination to fight against terrorism and ensure Syrians residing in Turkey that they can return to their land voluntarily, safely and with dignity.
"We have Syrian brothers and sisters with whom we are together, whether they are in Turkey or Syria. It is out of the question for us to take any decision that will put them in trouble,” the Turkish defense chief said.
Turkey severed its relations with Syria in March 2012, a year after the Arab country found itself in the grip of rampant and deadly violence waged by foreign-backed militants, including those allegedly supported by Ankara.
The two neighboring countries are currently taking steps toward reconciliation after 11 years.
The process of normalizing ties between Ankara and Damascus kicked off on December 28, 2022, when the Russian, Syrian and Turkish defense ministers met in Moscow, in what was the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the outbreak of the Syria conflict.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in January tied a Russian-brokered rapprochement with Turkey aimed at ending Ankara’s occupation of the northern parts of the Arab country and its support for militant groups wreaking havoc and fighting against the Damascus government.
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