The decision to no longer hold meetings on Syria in Kazakhstan is due to the fact that the Astana process has accomplished its mission, the Kazakh MFA reported.
"The political situation in the Middle East is changing dramatically. The attempt to revive diplomatic ties between Damascus and other Arab states proves this. Syria has resumed its membership in the Arab League. Ankara also intends to restore its relations with Damascus," the report reads.
It is noted that relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two prominent Muslim states with opposing views on the Syrian conflict, are improving. "Syria gradually exiting its regional isolation may rightly be seen as a sign of the Astana process having successfully coped with its task," the foreign ministry explained.
The ministry noted that the Astana process is known as a platform for additional negotiations under the Geneva process within the UN, which deals with political issues on Syria. "Essentially, the Astana process on Syria is aimed at solving specific practical tasks to end the conflict. In this context, its original goals, such as creating de-escalation zones, stopping bloodshed between the warring parties and reducing human casualties, have been fully attained so far," the MFA clarified.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Kanat Tumysh said that the recent Astana format meeting would be the last one. Russian Presidential Special Representative for the Middle East and African countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov explained that this decision was made at Kazakhstan's initiative.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Jirka Dl/Creative Commons 3.0
Based on materials from TASS