In an effort to normalize relations between Türkiye and Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed a four-way meeting between Russia, Türkiye, Syria and Iran. “We made a great effort in foreign and defense ministries to hold meetings last year to discuss conditions that could lead to the normalization of relations between Syria and Türkiye,” Lavrov told RT in an interview on Aug. 31, report Türkiye’s Daily Sabah. “We now believe it would be reasonable to prepare another meeting. I am sure that it will take place in the foreseeable future,” Lavrov said. Lavrov reminded his interviewer that “Both leaders had cordial, personal relations until 2011. I believe this will also play a positive role.”
In 2011 Erdogan had supported the so-called Arab Spring bid to overthrow the Syrian government, which completely ruptured relations between the two countries.
Lavrov said the question of Turkish troops currently in northern Syria, can be resolved by denouncing the continuation of the U.S. occupation of part of northern Syria.
“The U.S. is not fighting (Daesh) terrorism but instead engaged in taking oil, gas and grain out of the country,” Lavrov said. He also argued the U.S. was “toying with Syrian Kurds” whom he said “must understand their future is with a united Syria.”
Lavrov’s statement was welcomed by a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson. “We welcome Russia’s efforts to establish engagement between our country and the Damascus administration,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said on Sept. 4 in response to a question about recent remarks by Lavrov’s proposal.
