Erdogan: Iran's participation in Russia, Syria & Turkey talks possible
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Any tripartite talks should be preceded with prior coordination and planning between Syria and Russia, according to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (Archive)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Monday the possibility of Iran's participation in the tripartite talks between Russia, Syria, and Turkey.
In a televised speech, Erdogan said that "It is possible for Iran to participate in the tripartite talks between Turkey, Syria, and Russia."
He added, "Our relations with Russia are based on mutual respect, and although we were unable to obtain the desired result regarding northern Syria, the tripartite talks could be held, and it is possible that Iran will take part in them."
Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said, "The meetings with the Turkish side must be based on prior coordination and planning between Syria and Russia in order for them to be fruitful, and in order to reach the tangible goals and results that Syria wants from these meetings."
On December 28, the Russian Defense Ministry said that "trilateral talks between the defense ministers of Russia, Syria, and Turkey took place in Moscow. The meeting discussed ways to address the Syrian crisis, the issue of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria."
At the conclusion of the meeting, the defense ministers highlighted how the dialogue was constructive, stressing the need for all three parties to hold further talks to bring more stability to Syria and the whole region, the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Defense Ministry said Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and the head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Hakan Fidan, met Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas and Syrian intelligence chief Ali Mamlouk in Moscow, along with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
"Ways of resolving the Syrian crisis and the problem of refugees as well as joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria have been discussed," the Russian RIA Novosti news agency said, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
"Syrian crisis, the refugee issue, and efforts of joint fight against all terror organizations on Syrian soil were discussed in the constructive meeting," the Ministry’s statement added.
