Russian Special Envoy for Syrian Settlement, Alexander Lavrentiev, stated that the conditions are not yet ripe for a meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Lavrentiev mentioned that there are ongoing discussions between the defense ministries in a quadrilateral format involving Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, but he added, “In general, it seems to me that it is too early to talk about a meeting between the two presidents.” His remarks followed the 22nd round of Astana talks on Syria’s settlement held in Kazakhstan’s capital. The final statement of this meeting emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to restore relations between Turkey and Syria based on mutual respect, to combat terrorism, create conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrians under the UNHCR’s supervision, and to activate the political process in Syria while ensuring humanitarian aid flows to all Syrians.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to reconsider security threats, stating that the real danger in the region comes from Israel, not the Syrians. Erdogan called on Assad to take tangible steps to stabilize Syria, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation rather than targeting civilians and opposition members. Regarding a potential meeting with Assad, Erdogan expressed optimism about the possibility of a meeting to put “Syrian-Turkish relations on the right track.” The Turkish president clarified that his departure from the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh was intended for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, not as a protest against Assad’s speech.
In recent months, Turkey has made several attempts to engage in dialogue with the Syrian regime, aiming to reach agreements related to Turkish national security, particularly in its southern regions and along the Syrian border. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized that “the Syrian National Army will be part of Syria’s future,” stressing that “there will be no withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria without clear conditions.” Regarding the reconciliation between Turkey and the Syrian regime and its impact on the “Syrian National Army,” the Turkish minister stated that “this reconciliation will be positive for the Syrian regime, which lacks a real popular base,” adding that “the Syrian National Army will be part of Syria’s future if it remains a single country.”
Erdogan has also sought Russia’s assistance to mediate with Bashar al-Assad for a meeting, which he aims to hold as soon as possible. Erdogan stated that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for help in ensuring that the Syrian government communicates with Ankara to normalize relations and expressed hope that Damascus would take a constructive approach, relying on Russia’s influence over decisions made in Damascus. According to NTV, Erdogan told reporters on his return flight from Kazan, Russia, where he attended the BRICS summit, that Ankara expects Damascus to take steps based on the realization “that genuine and sincere normalization will benefit it as well.” He added, “Russia’s influence on the Syrian government is known… We asked Mr. Putin to ensure a response from (Syrian President) Bashar al-Assad to our invitation. Will Mr. Putin ask Assad to take this step? Let time answer that.”
This is not the first time that the Turks have sought the Syrian regime’s position on normalizing relations, while the Syrian government conditions the withdrawal of Turkish forces from northern Syria and halting support for armed groups opposed to Damascus. President Erdogan has supported Syrian opposition efforts to overthrow Assad’s regime, but for several months, he has been trying to open a new chapter in relations with Syria and invited Assad to visit Ankara, though he did not receive a response. Additionally, Ankara, which controls large parts of northwestern Syria with the support of Syrian opposition factions, hosts over 3.2 million Syrian refugees, according to official UN data, out of a total population of 85 million.
Turkey has created a “safe zone” in northern Syria where Turkish forces are currently stationed, and has conducted several cross-border military operations against militants it claims threaten its national security. Damascus insists that Turkey withdraw its forces as a precondition for a meeting between Assad and Erdogan and the restoration of relations. Washington has opposed the Gulf countries’ efforts to normalize relations with Assad, refusing to break the regional and international isolation surrounding him. Last year, the U.S. extended the “Caesar Act,” which imposes sanctions on entities and individuals supporting the Syrian regime, until 2032. Turkey’s efforts to normalize relations are also aimed at countering the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, as Ankara accuses the Syrian Kurdish People’s Defense Units (YPG) of collaborating with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to carry out attacks on Turkish territory.
