Representatives from the Foreign and Defense Ministries of Syria and Turkey, along with their counterparts from Russia and Iran, are expected to enter into discussions aimed at normalizing bilateral relations in the near future, according to an Arab diplomatic source quoted by the Al Watan newspaper. The talks between the delegations are anticipated to take place in late September, though the exact venue has not been disclosed.
The discussions will focus on developing a cooperative framework between Damascus and Ankara in the fight against terrorism. Additionally, the delegations will work towards establishing a timetable for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian territory.
Al Watan's source hinted that the agenda might also include revisiting the Adana Agreement of 1998, which outlines bilateral cooperation on border security.
On August 31, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler told Hurriyet newspaper that early normalization of relations between Ankara and Damascus is in the best interest of both nations, noting that there are “no problems between the two countries that cannot be resolved.”
Hurriyet previously reported that the first meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 11 years was initially planned for August, with Baghdad and the Kesab checkpoint on the Turkish-Syrian border being considered as potential venues.
On June 28, Erdogan expressed his willingness to restore diplomatic relations with Damascus, which were severed in 2012 following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. On July 12, he instructed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to “meet with his counterparts and prepare a roadmap for the normalization process.” Erdogan also emphasized Turkey's interest in preserving Syria's territorial integrity.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS