On Wednesday, Moscow initiated a path for the normalization of relations between Damascus and Ankara, following a rupture that lasted over ten years. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas, and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar held a meeting in the Russian capital, described as "constructive and positive." This meeting was the first public interaction at the ministerial level, following a previous security-level meeting between the Syrian and Turkish sides, which was also facilitated by Russia.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the tripartite discussions in Moscow detailed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis and the necessity of continuing dialogue to achieve stability in Syria." The Ministry's statement indicated that the defense ministers of the three countries addressed issues related to resolving the Syrian crisis, the refugee situation, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria.
A Russian diplomatic source told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that the meeting "reflected a proper reality," indicating that Moscow has long emphasized the need to establish direct communication channels at the highest level between the Turkish and Syrian sides. The source added that Russian efforts would build on the current step to prepare for a meeting at the level of foreign ministers "early next year," paving the way for a tripartite summit at the presidential level before mid-year, which is prior to the presidential elections in Turkey. The source also noted that Moscow is "ready to hold a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Syrian President Bashar Assad."
