Ankara, Moscow pledge joint efforts to protect Syria’s territorial integrity, Turkish FM says

Ankara and Moscow will continue their efforts aimed at protecting Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

He made the remarks during a joint press conference following his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

"At the same time, we will continue to work toward ensuring prosperity and stability for the Syrian people," he said.

Fidan noted that over the past five months, significant developments have taken place regarding the achievement of political and economic stability and security in Syria.

Despite “disinformation campaigns” against it, the Syrian government has largely succeeded in gaining the support of both the country’s population and the international community, he said, adding that the authorities in Damascus are gradually expanding their capabilities in combating terrorism and organised crime.

The Turkish foreign minister stated that Ankara backs efforts to unite all armed groups in Syria under the command of a national army and a single chain of command.

According to him, all interested parties must use their influence to implement the agreement signed on March 10 between Syrian Interim President Ahmed Al-Shaara and Ferhat Abdi Shahin, the leader of the Syrian branch of the terrorist organisation PKK/YPG.

Fidan also highlighted the importance of the US and EU decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria during the era of the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad. He said that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye had carried out active diplomatic efforts to secure the removal of these restrictions.

To recall, following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, Türkiye and Russia emphasised the importance of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and achieving lasting peace. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on the necessity of bilateral cooperation to resolve regional issues, including lifting sanctions on Syria and countering efforts that fuel sectarian divisions.

Türkiye and Russia, along with Iran, reaffirmed their commitment to the Astana format for resolving the Syrian crisis. They have agreed to hold the 23rd international meeting on Syria in Astana in the first half of 2025, focusing on efforts to resolve the crisis, release hostages, and mobilise international support for post-conflict reconstruction.

By Khagan Isayev