Kremlin Teases Potential Erdogan-Assad Talks in Moscow

The Kremlin expressed hopes for improved relations between Turkey and Syria, following reports about a possible meeting between Presidents Erdogan and Assad in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to mediate these talks. However, the Kremlin did not confirm the meeting's details.

The Kremlin expressed on Tuesday its desire to see improved relations between Turkey and Syria, responding to a Turkish newspaper report pertaining to a potential meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Moscow.

According to Turkey's Daily Sabah newspaper, an unnamed source familiar with the discussions suggested that the meeting could occur in August with President Vladimir Putin acting as mediator. Assad, a close ally of Russia, indicated in July that he would only consider meeting Erdogan if they could address core issues, including Ankara's support for what he termed 'terrorism' and the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian territory.

When questioned about the likelihood of an Erdogan-Assad meeting in the Russian capital, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented, 'The issue of facilitating the organisation of certain contacts between Turkish and Syrian representatives at various levels is really on the agenda.' Peskov emphasized that many nations, including Russia, are keen to assist in the establishment of relations between the two countries, underscoring its importance for the region. Nevertheless, he did not confirm the specifics of any Moscow meeting and stated that further information was not available at this time.

(With inputs from agencies.)