ALBAWABA- Turkish media reports that a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may take place in Moscow this August. Notably, Erdogan has expressed his willingness to meet with Assad either in Turkey or Syria to address ongoing issues between the two countries.
The Turkish president recently hinted at a new diplomatic peace initiative with Damascus, suggesting a potential invitation to Assad. “We, together with Russian President Vladimir Putin, may have an invitation to Bashar al-Assad,” Erdogan told journalists on his return flight from Astana, Kazakhstan, where he attended a two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
“If Mr. Putin can visit Türkiye, this could be the beginning of a new process,” Erdogan stated. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a permanent solution in Syria, highlighting the extensive violence and chaos since the 2011 civil war.
Erdogan underscored Syria's critical need for reconstruction and stability due to widespread infrastructure damage and societal upheaval. He noted that recent regional tranquility could pave the way for peace with policies free from prejudice, especially concerning the eradication of terrorist organizations like the PKK/PYD/YPG.
“We have always extended and will continue to extend a hand of friendship to our neighbor Syria. We would stand by a prosperous, unified Syria based on a fair, honorable, and inclusive new social contract,” Erdogan declared, stressing the importance of democratic foundations and inclusive peace initiatives.
Erdogan also addressed a recent incident in Kayseri, Turkey, which led to violence against Syrians, blaming certain elements for using racism to disrupt unity. He assured that authorities would tackle these issues.
