Russia's statement on Ankara-Damascus summit: 'We are ready to organize it'

Russia has proposed organizing a meeting in a tripartite format in Moscow to improve relations between Turkey and Syria.

 Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Middle East and Africa, made statements to journalists in the capital, Moscow, regarding current issues.

Touching upon developments in the Middle East, Bogdanov recalled that Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated last month, noting that this event could affect negotiations regarding the mutual release of hostages. 

'WE ARE IN FAVOR OF DE-ESCALATION'

Stating that Haniyeh was coordinating negotiations in Cairo and Doha, Bogdanov called on Israel and Iran to avoid increasing tension in the region. “We are in favor of de-escalation. We call on everyone to refrain from increasing tension, which poses a threat of catastrophe for the countries in the region,” he said.

'WE ARE READY TO ORGANIZE THE MEETINGS'

Addressing the normalization of relations between Turkey and Syria, Bogdanov stated, “We are in favor of the process of improving relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty. We want this process to continue and for the leaders of the two countries to come together. We are ready to organize a meeting in Moscow in a tripartite format with the participation of Damascus and Ankara officials.”

Bogdanov also stated that they are in contact with Iranian and Iraqi officials on this matter, noting that Iran and Iraq also support the improvement of Turkey-Syria relations and that this situation would positively affect developments in Syria.

Bogdanov added that they also expect Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to visit Russia in the near future.