Leaders of Turkey, Russia & Iran meet to discuss solutions in Syria

World Today

Back-to-back meetings took place on Wednesday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders discussed regional issues and mutual cooperation, and eventually met to discuss Syria.

CGTN’s Michal Bardavid reports.

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The presidents explored ways to expand ceasefire efforts across Syria, and searched for new strategies to support a political solution for the country. All three leaders emphasized their strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and independence.

Erdogan stated that Syria’s territorial integrity depended on distancing all terrorist organizations equally. He added that Turkey would continue its cross border efforts to clear the Syrian Kurdish group (YPG) in other regions, including Manbij.

All expressed their determination to continue their active cooperation for the achievement of a lasting ceasefire, as envisaged by the UN Security Council.

Russian President Putin stated the three countries would also work closer together to prevent provocations. Meanwhile, Iranian President Rouhani made accusations against foreign forces, especially the U.S.

“Some big powers, particularly the United States, wanted terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Al-Nusra to remain in our region as their tool so they can benefit from this, but big countries like Syria and Iraq destroyed this conspiracy with the help of friendly countries,” Rouhani said.

They also discussed forming of a new constitution for Syria, the establishment of more deescalation zones and ways to prevent civilian causalities in the war-torn country. The leaders will meet in Iran for the next trilateral meeting.