Turkish MoD on outcome of Turkish, Russian, Syrian meeting in Moscow

The Turkish, Russian, and Syrian defense ministers met in Moscow on December 28 to discuss counterterrorism efforts in the region.

As the Anadolu agency reported, referring to Turkish Minister Hulusi Akar's statement made following the meeting on December 29. 

"At the meeting, we discussed what could be done to improve the situation in Syria and the region as soon as possible, while ensuring peace, tranquility and stability", said Minister Akar before returning to Ankara from Moscow.

Noting that Türkiye has emphasized its counterterrorism efforts during the meeting, Akar said, that "we emphasized that we respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty rights of all our neighbors, especially Syria and Iraq, and that our sole aim is the fight against terrorism, we have no other purpose".

Türkiye also noted that it aims to "neutralize" PKK/YPG, and Daesh/ISIS terrorists, which are a threat to Syria as well, the defense minister said.

"We have told them [Russia and Syria at the meeting] that we are making efforts to ensure the security of our country, nation and borders", Akar said, adding that his country is "making efforts to prevent further migration from Syria to Türkiye".

He said that the Syrian crisis must be resolved in an inclusive and holistic manner within the framework of the UN Security Council 2254 resolution.

“In this sense, we assess that the work to be carried out in the coming days can make significant contributions to peace and stability in the region and in Syria", the minister added.

Akar also reiterated that the Turkish, Russian, and Syrian defense ministers agreed to continue tripartite meetings to ensure stability in Syria and the wider region.