Türkiye holds 'constructive' meeting with Russia, Iran, Syria in Moscow

The defence ministers and intelligence chiefs of Türkiye, Russia, Iran and Syrian regime held "constructive" talks in Moscow, Ankara said. 

The Turkish Defence Ministry statement said on Tuesday the ministers and intelligence service chiefs discussed strengthening security in Syria in the meeting. 

The quadrilateral meeting comprising the intelligence chiefs of the four countries discussed stepping up efforts for the return of Syrian refugees to their country, the Turkish Defence Ministry said.

The statement came after Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Hakan Fidan attended a meeting with their counterparts in Russia's capital.

“Quadrilateral meeting on Syria discussed fight against terrorist organisations and all extremist groups on Syrian territory,” it added.

Turkish, Russian, Iranian, and Syrian regime's defence and intelligence chiefs also discussed stepping up efforts to return Syrian refugees to their country, the ministry said.

The parties also reiterated their respect for the Syria's territorial integrity.

“As a result of the meeting, which was held in a constructive atmosphere, the importance of the continuation of the meetings in the quadrilateral format was emphasised to ensure and maintain stability in Syria and the region as a whole,” the statement read.

READ MORE: Defence and intelligence chiefs of Türkiye, Russia, Syria, Iran to meet

High-level talks

Last December, defence ministers and intelligence chiefs of Türkiye, Russia and the Syrian regime met in Moscow and agreed to continue tripartite meetings to ensure stability in Syria and the wider region. 

Iran was also included in the talks, with Türkiye previously saying that Ankara would be "pleased if Iran is involved in this process." 

Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu signalled that a meeting between the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Russia, Iran and Syria is likely to be held in early May in Moscow. 

Although no date or location has yet been announced, the foreign ministers' meeting would continue restarting high-level talks between Türkiye and its neighbour Syria since the country was plunged into a civil war in 2011.

READ MORE: Turkish, Russian, Syrian, Iranian FMs likely to meet in May in Moscow