Putin and Erdogan share deep concerns on Syria

The leaders of Russia and Turkey said Tuesday they shared deep concerns over fighting in northwestern Syria, with Ankara warning it would take the steps necessary to protect its troops there.

After meeting for talks near Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan said they hoped to work together to ease tensions in Idlib province.

“The situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone is of serious concern to us and our Turkish partners,” Putin said at a joint press conference with Erdogan.

He sympathised with Turkey, saying: “We understand Turkey’s concern regarding the security of its southern border. We believe that these are legitimate interests.”

Putin said the two leaders had agreed “additional joint steps” to “normalise” the situation in Idlib, including measures aimed at rooting out “terrorists” there.

Via AFP/ France24

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