Turkish, Syrian defence ministers to gather for four-way meeting

The defence ministers and intelligence chiefs of Türkiye, Syria, Russia and Iran will meet on April 25 in Moscow.

The statement came from Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on April 24, Daily Sabah reports.

He said that Ankara and Damascus take gradual steps for enhanced engagement.

“Our aim is to resolve the problems here through negotiations and to ensure that peace and tranquility prevail in the region as soon as possible,” Akar said. 

He reminded that the defence ministers and intelligence heads of Türkiye, Russia and Syria had come together on December 28, during which it was agreed that such meetings should continue.

“Later, views were exchanged on the participation of Iran in these meetings. This was approved by the relevant authorities.” 

Akar underlined that Ankara expected “positive developments” following tomorrow’s meeting.

He said that Türkiye is decisive on its fight against terrorism while it is against additional migration, aiming for the return of Syrians in Türkiye in a safe and voluntary manner.

“We have Syrian brothers and sisters with whom we are together, whether they are in Türkiye or Syria. It is out of the question for us to take any decision that will put them in danger. We follow a very clear policy in this regard,” he added.

Russia's long-standing effort to open a channel of dialogue between Türkiye and the Bashar Assad regime paid off last year, as the defence ministers and intelligence chiefs of Türkiye, Russia and the Assad regime met in Moscow.

Any normalisation between Ankara and Damascus would reshape the decadelong Syrian war. Turkish backing has been vital to sustaining moderate Syrian opposition in their last significant territorial foothold in the northwest after Assad defeated opponents across the rest of the country, aided by Russia and Iran.

However, according to statements from the Assad regime, Damascus wants the end of Turkish presence on Syrian territories.