File photo of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (right) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. | Photo credit: AP
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Sunday (August 25, 2024) that efforts to improve relations with Turkey have so far yielded no concrete results.
In his speech to the Syrian parliament, Mr. Assad referred to reconciliation efforts made by Russia, Iran and Iraq, saying, “Despite the seriousness and genuine eagerness of the mediators, these initiatives have not produced any significant results.”
Turkiye cut ties with Syria after the country’s civil war broke out in 2011, in which it supported rebels seeking to oust Mr Assad. Mr Assad regards the rebels as terrorists.
“The solution is openness,” Mr. Assad said. “To restore a relationship, the causes that led to its destruction must first be addressed.”
The Syrian President made it clear that although he wants Turkish troops to withdraw from Syria, this is not a precondition for talks.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in early July that he would invite Mr Assad “at any time” for possible talks to restore ties.
A Turkish newspaper had earlier reported that Mr Erdogan and Mr Assad could meet in August, but a Turkish diplomat denied the report.
Russia is trying to facilitate a meeting between the two leaders in an effort to restore relations. Iraq also said in July that it could try to bring the two leaders together.