Erdogan Says Cooperation with Moscow in Syria Will Increase

During the Turkish President's visit to Moscow, Erdogan and Putin discussed potential plans regarding Idlib province and other collaborations in Syria. Erdogan stated that cooperation between the two sides will increase. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, mentioned that more activities are needed to 'destroy the actions of terrorist groups' in Idlib. Just hours before this meeting, the Russian Foreign Minister warned that the situation in northwest Syria remains 'seriously concerning' and added that almost the entire area is under the control of the al-Nusra Front, a group considered an affiliate of al-Qaeda, although it has changed its name in recent years. Russia is one of the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey supports several of Assad's opponents. Nevertheless, the cooperation between these two countries in Syria has led to the establishment of so-called 'de-escalation zones.' Meanwhile, Idlib, which houses many rebels fleeing from other areas, has currently been kept away from the danger of war and military confrontation. The Turkey-Russia agreement regarding Idlib resulted in the creation of a demilitarized zone free of heavy weapons. Russia and Turkey have also agreed to increase their political and military cooperation in Syria following the withdrawal of American forces from the country. Vladimir Putin, in a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart, stated that the defense ministers of both countries have begun discussions on specific actions in Idlib. However, Putin did not provide details of these discussions. Erdogan, on the other hand, mentioned that he has discussed the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria with Moscow. The presence of Kurdish militants in northern Syria is of great importance to Ankara, which is trying to create a buffer zone along its southern borders with northern Syria. Syrian Kurdish militants are considered allies of the US-led coalition, while Turkey regards them as a 'terrorist group.' Erdogan stated that Moscow and Ankara are 'not in conflict' regarding the plan to establish a safe zone in the north under Turkish control. However, Putin emphasized the need for increased dialogue between the central government in Damascus and Kurdish representatives in northern Syria. The Kurds are concerned that with the withdrawal of American forces, Turkish attacks against them will increase. Last month, a spokesperson for the People's Protection Units, the Syrian Kurdish militants supported by the coalition, told AFP that reaching an agreement with Bashar al-Assad's government to establish an autonomous region in northern Syria is inevitable. During the press conference on January 23, Putin and Erdogan referred to each other as 'dear friends.' Erdogan stated that cooperation between the two countries in Syria is a 'touchstone for peace and stability.' He added, 'Along with our Russian friends, our intention is to further increase these interactions.' The Syrian civil war has left over half a million dead. More than half of the country's population is displaced, and many economic centers, cities, and even historical monuments have been destroyed.