Putin and Rouhani Discuss with Erdogan Situation in Syria over Phone

MOSCOW-  Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a telephone conversation with President of the Turkish regime Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the situation in Syria. Special emphasis was placed on ways of enhancing Astana format cooperation, the Kremlin’s press-service said, according to Itar Tass.

“In discussing the situation in Syria special attention was paid to ways of further enhancing cooperation in the Astana format. The readiness was confirmed for tight coordination of efforts by Russia, Turkey and Iran for the sake of achieving effective operation of the de-escalation zones and advancing the political process in line with the agreements achieved by the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi,” the Kremlin’s press-service said.

 Putin and Erdogan touched upon the situation in northwestern Syria, including the Turkish aggression on Afrin.

The Kremlin’s Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that preparations to hold a trilateral summit between the Presidents of Russia, Ian and Turkey in the Turkish city of Istanbul early in April are underway.

Rouhani stresses need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

In Tehran, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani  also held a phone conversation with Erdogan on Monday during which he stressed the need for upholding Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 He said that security and stability should be restored to Syria and all Syrian refugees should have chance to return home.

Rouhani pointed out that Iran-Russia-Turkey trilateral cooperation and talks on regional problems, especially fighting terrorism and settlement of Syrian crisis were positive and effective.

Noting that talks among leaders and officials of Iran, Turkey and Russia in Astana and Sochi instilled hope for promoting peace, stability and security of Syria, Rouhani said that the positive trend should continue through talks and consultations.

“Iran and Turkey are pursuing common goals in regional and international developments ,” he said, calling for more intensive cooperation in line with implementing Astana agreements, according to Press TV.

H.M