According to the Turkish and Russian defense ministries, ways of finding a solution in the civil war in Syria were discussed during the trilateral negotiations. It was also about the topic of refugees and the joint efforts in the fight against extremist groups. The participants emphasized the constructive character of the dialogue and wanted to continue the talks to stabilize the situation in Syria and in the region as a whole, it said.
Russia is supporting President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war, while Turkey is on the side of the rebels. Under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey severed diplomatic relations with Damascus, but recently expressed its willingness to rapprochement. Almost two weeks ago, Erdogan also brought up a meeting with al-Assad, whom he had described as a “murderer” in the past.
After more than eleven years of civil war in Syria, Assad’s government troops again control around two-thirds of the country. In addition to Russia, the ruler is also supported by Iran. Turkey occupies areas in northern Syria. It is currently conducting an air offensive in areas largely controlled by the Syrian Kurdish militia YPG.