Russia emphasises support for improving Türkiye-Syria relations

Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has stated that Russia is keen on assisting Türkiye and Syria to enhance their relations, emphasising its importance.

“Many countries, including Russia, which plays a significant role in the region, are invested in supporting the improvement of relations between Türkiye and Syria. This is crucial not only for advancing the political resolution of the Syrian conflict but also for ensuring overall regional stability. It is important to await the normalisation of relations between Damascus and Ankara, as this will contribute to broader regional stability and peace,” he said, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

Türkiye-Syria relations have been marked by a complex and evolving history, influenced by political, military, and regional dynamics.

One of the major sources of tension has been the Kurdish issue. Türkiye is concerned about Kurdish militant groups, such as the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) and its affiliates in Syria, which it views as terrorist organisations. Syria's support for these groups has been a point of contention.

Türkiye has conducted several military operations in northern Syria aimed at combating Kurdish militant groups and establishing a buffer zone to control the influx of refugees and prevent cross-border attacks. Notable operations include "Operation Euphrates Shield" (2016), "Operation Olive Branch" (2018), and "Operation Peace Spring" (2019).

Türkiye's military actions are driven by security concerns, including the prevention of an autonomous Kurdish region near its border and the management of refugee flows.

Despite conflicts, there have been periods of diplomatic engagement and attempts at dialogue. High-level meetings have occasionally occurred to address issues and seek solutions to ongoing disputes.