ISTANBUL: The foreign ministers of Turkey and Syria are set to hold their first official meeting on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic development since the onset of the Syrian civil war over a decade ago.
The talks, scheduled to take place in Moscow, will also involve the participation of the top diplomats from Russia and Iran, according to a statement by Turkey’s foreign ministry.
This announcement comes as a diplomatic boost for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as he faces the upcoming general election on Sunday, which is anticipated to be the toughest test of his 21-year rule.
Erdogan had previously supported early rebel efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, maintaining a military presence in northern parts of Syria that have drawn criticism from Damascus.
However, Erdogan’s stance underwent a shift following Turkey’s economic crisis two years ago. As part of his broader regional realignment strategy, Erdogan has sought reconciliation with former rivals and is now pursuing a presidential summit with Assad.
Turkish-Syrian FMs talks significant for election
Syria has previously insisted that Turkey must withdraw its troops before any talks can occur, but a potential reconciliation is supported by Erdogan’s opponents and holds significance in Turkey’s ongoing election campaign.
One of Erdogan’s pledges is to expedite the repatriation of nearly four million Syrian refugees and migrants who sought refuge in Turkey to escape poverty and war.
Achieving an agreement with Damascus is considered a crucial step in this process. Mediation efforts between the two sides have been facilitated by Iran and Russia.
The meeting between the foreign ministers of Turkey and Syria, along with the involvement of Russia and Iran, marks a notable development in the diplomatic landscape of the Syrian conflict.
It remains to be seen what outcomes and potential agreements may emerge from the discussions in Moscow, but the meeting itself signals a willingness for dialogue and potential avenues for future cooperation between the neighboring nations.
