Putin, Erdogan hold closed-door meeting
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, the Russian and Turkish presidents concluded talks on curbing the resurgence of violence in northwest Syria and the possibility of expanding sales of Russian defense systems to Ankara, despite US objections.
The talks were held in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi in a closed meeting that lasted for nearly three hours.
Neither president made any detailed statements to the media after the talks. Putin thanked Erdogan, calling the visit “useful and informative”.
The Russian President made a passing reference to Syria in his opening comments, saying that it is one of the areas in which cooperation between the two countries has achieved a great deal of success.
“Negotiations are sometimes difficult, but with a positive final result. Our [government] bodies have learned to find compromises that are beneficial to both sides,” he said.
While Erdogan told Putin that “the steps we take together in relation to Syria are of great importance,” adding that peace in the country “depends on the relations between Turkey and Russia”.
Prior to the meeting, Turkish officials said that Erdogan would demand that Putin restore a ceasefire agreed last year to end an attack by Russia and Syrian forces on Turkish-backed factions in Syria’s Idlib region.
For months, the areas of northwest Syria have been witnessing exchange bombardment between the Syrian government forces and Turkish-backed opposition factions in different areas, amid reports of military buildups of government forces in the region.
The agenda of the talks included the possibility of Turkey buying more Russian S-400 missile defense batteries, which Washington strongly opposes.
Addressing Putin, Erdogan stressed that he “wants to discuss more defense cooperation regardless of American objections.”
“It is of great importance to us that we continue to strengthen Turkish-Russian relations every day,” he stated.
In 2019, Turkey, which is a NATO member, bought the Russian S-400 missile defense batteries, prompting US sanctions on Turkey’s defense industries and warnings from Washington of further measures if it buys more Russian equipment.
Last week, Erdogan indicated that Turkey still intends to buy a second batch of S-400 batteries.