Erdogan-Assad Meeting Rumors Refuted by Turkish Diplomatic Source

A Turkish diplomatic source refuted claims that President Erdogan will meet Syrian President Assad in Moscow next month. Turkey's Daily Sabah cited an unnamed source suggesting such a meeting, mediated by President Putin, could occur in August. However, no plans for this meeting exist at this time.

A Turkish diplomatic source has refuted claims that President Tayyip Erdogan will meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Moscow next month.

According to a report by Turkey's Daily Sabah newspaper, an unidentified source suggested that such a meeting could take place in August, with Russian President Vladimir Putin acting as a mediator. However, speaking to a group of journalists on Monday, the Turkish diplomatic source clarified that there were no plans for an Erdogan-Assad meeting in Moscow.

Turkey has been one of the main backers of Assad's opponents in the Syrian civil war, while Russia has been a key ally for Assad. Despite Assad's improved relations with some Arab states, Damascus remains at odds with Ankara, which continues to support anti-Assad rebels in Syria's northwest.

Earlier this month, Erdogan expressed willingness to invite Assad for talks to restore relations with possible facilitation by Putin. Assad, however, has stipulated that any meeting must address crucial issues like the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syrian territory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not confirm any specific plans for a meeting but expressed Russia's interest in fostering better relations between Turkey and Syria.

(With inputs from agencies.)