The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced that a high-level meeting in Moscow brought together Ali Mahmud Abbas, the head of Syria’s defense ministry, with Hulusi Akar, Turkey’s defense minister. The discussions included the head of the Syrian General Intelligence Organization and Turkish intelligence leadership, with active participation from the Russian side. The official briefing from TASS notes that the discussions covered a range of issues and that the talks concluded positively.
According to a report from a state broadcaster, the gathering in Moscow marked the first engagement between the two nations’ defense ministers in more than a decade. The conversations occurred in a trilateral format with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also present, signaling a shared push to stabilize and gradually normalise relations between Ankara and Damascus. Observers have indicated that such a framework can pave the way for further steps toward reconciliation and regional stability.
Analysts describe the meeting as a potential turning point, given the participants’ roles and the family of recent regional shifts. The dialogue focused on security coordination, de-escalation channels, and practical steps that could ease tensions along the border areas and in broader bilateral arenas. While concrete agreements were not disclosed in detail, the tone and structure of the talks suggest a common interest in stability, dialogue, and confidence-building measures among the three capitals. The parties emphasized the importance of ongoing communication and periodic consultations to maintain momentum and monitor progress over time.
Observers note that the Moscow talks reflect a broader trend of diplomatic engagement among regional players seeking to manage conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation. The involvement of Russian mediators is viewed as a practical mechanism to facilitate trust-building and to create a framework for more practical cooperation in the near term. Although many questions remain about the exact outcomes, the gathering is widely interpreted as a positive signal for future negotiations and potential steps toward greater normalisation in the region.