Geir Pedersen, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Syria, is set to join the latest round of talks in Astana, scheduled for January 24 and 25, according to reporting from TASS citing Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The participation underscores the ongoing international engagement around Syria’s peace process and highlights Astana as a continuing hub for regional diplomacy.
Earlier, a Kazakh official, Aibek Smadiyarov, reiterated that Syria negotiations would convene in Astana on January 24 and 25. The formal confirmation from the Kazakh side signals a sustained commitment to the Astana format, which brought together key regional actors to shape a path toward stability in Syria.
In mid-year developments, a quadripartite meeting took place in Astana on June 20, bringing together deputy foreign ministers from Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The discussions focused on normalizing relations between Turkey and Syria and on the broader regional framework for peace efforts.
Following those talks, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Kanat Tumysh indicated that Astana had signaled the possibility of treating the past round as the final session in this particular format. This statement suggested a shift toward concluding the current cycle of meetings while leaving room for future diplomacy if necessary, underlining Kazakhstan’s role as a venue and facilitator.
On June 22, the Kazakh diplomatic service announced that the government stood ready to continue facilitating dialogue. As a gesture of goodwill and in response to the parties’ collective request, negotiations on Syria would be held in the capital, maintaining the Astana framework that has guided discussions for years.
The situation remains fluid, with officials and observers watching for how these talks might influence the broader trajectory of Syria’s political landscape. News updates continue to arrive as the parties assess options, negotiate positions, and seek practical steps toward de-escalation, reconciliation, and lasting stability in the region.