News outlets report that Turkey is preparing to declare a withdrawal of its troops from Syria. The report, cited by Al-Watan, notes that Ankara reaffirmed its respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the account of the Moscow talks, held with the presence of Russia’s defense minister and attended by Turkey’s Hulusi Akar and Syria’s Ali Mahmud Abbas, Turkey reportedly agreed to fully pull back its forces from Syrian territory. A separate source within the same outlet indicated that the participants acknowledged Kurdish units linked to the PKK as being aligned with American and Israeli interests.
These discussions mark the first formal exchange between Ankara and Damascus in more than a decade.
Constructive dialogue
Following the defense ministers’ meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone with Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to coordinate the steps toward stabilizing Syria. The diplomatic service described the conversation as productive, with both sides highlighting plans for closer cooperation in the coming period to advance a Syrian settlement.
The ministry noted that the defense ministers regarded the dialogue in this format as constructive and agreed that it should continue to help calm tensions and promote regional stability.
The aim is to defeat terrorism
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar reiterated that Turkey’s military presence on Syrian soil is tied to the need to counter terrorist groups that control parts of the country. He emphasized that Turkey respects Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while stating that the core goal remains the fight against terrorism. The minister pointed out that roughly one-third of Syria remains under the influence of terrorist organizations.
Reflecting on the results of the talks, Akar said Ankara would keep channels open with Damascus. He noted that negotiations could not be resolved in a single session, given the number of actors involved and the complex regional dynamics. He also asserted that Turkey had contributed to Syria’s territorial integrity by blocking the terrorist corridor and preventing further incursions.
Attention was also drawn to the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homes, underscoring the humanitarian dimension of the discussions and the desire to ease displacement pressures.
Upcoming discussions
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu indicated that Ankara had proposed scheduling a meeting between the Turkish and Syrian foreign ministers in the second half of January. The aim is to hold the talks in a neutral third country, with the location still to be confirmed. While some sources suggested Moscow as a potential venue, others noted that the final decision would depend on the participating parties and logistical considerations.