Russia’s special envoy speaks about efforts to mediate Türkiye-Syria relations

Alexander Lavrentiev, Russia’s special envoy for Syria, emphasized the importance of normalizing relations between Türkiye and Syria as a key factor in stabilizing the broader region.

In an exclusive interview with Russia’s news agency TASS, Lavrentiev addressed recent developments, ongoing challenges and Russia‘s role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations.

Türkiye-Syria normalization talks remain premature, says Lavrentiev

Lavrentiev downplayed reports suggesting that a summit between the leaders of Türkiye and Syria could take place in Kazan. He noted that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s attendance was never planned, and discussions about a high-level meeting remain premature.

Lavrentiev responded to the following questions, “How would you assess the state of affairs in Turkish-Syrian normalization? In the run-up to the BRICS summit, there were media reports that Kazan could become a platform for a meeting between the leaders of Türkiye and Syria, but this did not happen. Is Russia ready to provide on its territory a possible platform for a dialog between the leaders of the two countries?”

The fact is that the Syrian president was not in Kazan and his presence there was not planned. Therefore, I have no information that such a meeting was to take place there. But in general, it seems to me that it is premature to talk about a meeting between the two presidents.

There are certain contacts through the defense ministries, in the quadripartite format. But in order to take (contacts) to a higher level, as it was just a year and a half ago, when the foreign ministers of the four countries and defense ministers met, it is still premature to talk about it.

But nevertheless, we are making efforts to do so. We believe that the normalization of Syrian-Turkish relations is a guarantee that the situation in Syria will stabilize. Without that, it is also difficult, I guess, to talk about it. Although there are a lot of different factors that influence this. First of all, of course, Türkiye’s support for the Syrian opposition, which it cannot leave unattended and without its attention.

Alexander Lavrentiev

‘Main issue is withdrawal of Turkish troops’

Lavrentiev reiterated that Russia is committed to supporting diplomatic efforts for peace in Syria, despite the challenges. He highlighted Russia’s willingness to offer its territory as a potential venue for future talks if both parties agree.

He added that the main issue is the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the occupied Syrian territories, as Damascus finds it difficult to engage in dialogue without guarantees from Türkiye regarding troop withdrawal.

And, of course, the main issue is the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the occupied Syrian territories. Let us call things by their proper names: they are in principle acting as an occupying country. Therefore, it is difficult for Damascus to enter into dialog without receiving certain guarantees from Türkiye about the withdrawal of its troops.

Alexander Lavrentiev