Iranian, Russian, Turkish Presidents to Discuss Syria in Ankara

The first of the trilateral summits was held last year in Russia's Black Sea city Sochi on Nov. 22.

In the second trilateral summit that will be held at the presidential complex in Ankara, the recent developments in Syria’s Afrin, the latest situation of the de-escalation zones in Idlib, the political transition period in Syria and the incidents in Eastern Ghouta will be on the agenda of the Iranian and Turkish  presidents as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Daily Sabah reported on Sunday.  

As Iran, Russia and Turkey launched a Syrian peace process in Astana, the three countries held a series of summits in Russia's Black Sea city of Sochi to bring together the conflicting parties in Syria.

Within the framework of these efforts, they agreed in Astana to establish de-escalation zones in the northern province of Idlib and parts of neighboring Latakia, Hama and Aleppo. Under the Astana agreement, Turkey is to gradually establish 12 observation points from Idlib's north to south to monitor and sustain the current cease-fire agreement for the de-escalation zones, deliver humanitarian aid and ensure the secure return of displaced people.

The leaders of the three countries have been stressing that the de-escalation zones deal has been successful in ending clashes in various locations, however, a countrywide cease-fire to end the armed conflicts has not been achieved so far.

Prior to the trilateral summit on Syria, President Putin will arrive in Ankara on April 3 to attend the seventh Turkish-Russian High-Level Cooperation Council (ÜDİK) meeting with the participation of ministers from both countries. The meeting will be co-chaired by Presidents Erdogan and Putin.

According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Turkish counterpart Erdogan will hold a bilateral meeting during the summit.