Turkish and Syrian presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad may hold telephone talks at the suggestion of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Türkiye reported, citing its sources.
"As known, President Erdogan, who recently visited Sochi, exchanged views with Russian leader Putin on Syria. Answering questions from reporters on the way back, Erdogan said that despite the presence of terrorist structures on the border with Syria, Putin told him that "if you prefer to solve them together with the regime, it would be much more appropriate," the paper wrote.
The newspaper, known for its proximity to government circles, writes that the Russian leader offered the parties to meet for discussions. "According to news, Ankara said it was "too early" for this meeting. However, it was noted that telephone talks between Erdogan and al-Assad could take place. A commission of experts who know the region well is being formed in the negotiation movement between Turkey and Syria," the newspaper wrote.
In late June, Erdogan said that Turkey would conduct a military operation in northern Syria, which would be "understood" by the international community and Ankara has such experience. Damascus has repeatedly called the presence of Turkish forces in the border territory of Syria, which carry out operations against Kurdish formations there, illegal and called on Ankara to withdraw troops.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti