Press release on Russia-Turkey consultations on Syria in Ankara

The Russian President’s Special Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin met, as part of Russia’s interdepartmental delegation, with Special Adviser to the President of Turkey Ibrahim Kalin and Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal in Ankara on October 17.

A detailed exchange of views took place on the situation on the ground in Syria, primarily in light of the current escalation of tensions in northeast Syria. The common belief was confirmed that achieving lasting and long-term stabilisation on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, in Syria and the entire region is only possible if it is based on restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

In addition, preparations for convening the Constitutional Committee in Geneva in late October were reviewed. The participants expressed their willingness and commitment to help advance the political process led and carried out by the Syrians themselves, in accordance with UNSCR 2254.

There was also a meeting with the leaders of the High Negotiations Committee, including the chairman Nasr al-Hariri and the opposition’s constitutional committee co-chair Hadi al-Bahra.