Iraq initiates efforts for Assad-Erdogan meeting in Baghdad

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has confirmed that efforts are underway to facilitate a meeting between Syria’s regime leader Bashar Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Baghdad. This initiative follows Erdogan’s recent signals of willingness to normalize relations with the Assad regime.

“Iraq aims to bring Syria and Türkiye together. We have reached a preliminary agreement on the meeting, but a date has not yet been set. I have returned to Baghdad, where we will determine the schedule,” stated Hussein.

President Erdogan, fresh from the NATO summit, reiterated his administration’s stance on approaching closer ties with the Assad government during an in-flight press briefing: “I have tasked Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan with this matter. He is currently in talks with relevant counterparts to chart the entire roadmap. According to his assessments, we will proceed with necessary steps.

We believe a fair peace is achievable in Syria, and emphasize that Syria’s territorial integrity is in our best interest. Constructing a just peace in Syria will benefit us the most. We believe initiating a new era with Syria is pivotal. So far, this process has been developing positively. Hopefully, we will take concrete steps soon.”

The potential meeting signals a significant diplomatic maneuver by Iraq to foster dialogue between Syria and Türkiye amidst ongoing regional challenges.