Türkiye, Russia, Iran reaffirm commitment to Astana Peace Process on Syria

Türkiye, Russia, and Iran issued a joint statement Tuesday following the conclusion of the two-day 22nd International Meeting on Syria. Delegates discussed the Middle East situation, condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the Syrian crisis through the Astana Process.

The talks, held in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, brought together 11 delegations from Türkiye, Iran, Russia, Syria, and the United Nations. The three guarantor countries—Türkiye, Russia, and Iran—issued a statement outlining their positions on key issues related to Syria and the broader region.

The countries emphasized their dedication to the Astana Process, which seeks to restore Syria’s sovereignty, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and achieve long-term stability through a political solution.

Condemnation of Israel’s actions

The statement condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, expressing deep concern over the growing violence. The three nations urged the U.N. Security Council to intervene for an immediate, permanent cease-fire in Gaza and allow unrestricted humanitarian access.

The statement also stressed the need for a cease-fire in Lebanon, calling for the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 to stabilize the region and facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries.

Additionally, the countries condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Syria, citing violations of international law and Syria’s sovereignty, and demanded an immediate halt to these military operations.

Syrian sovereignty and peaceful Resolution

Türkiye, Russia, and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity in accordance with U.N. principles. They opposed any actions undermining Syria’s territorial unity and expressed a desire for diplomatic reconciliation between Türkiye and Syria, based on mutual respect and good neighborly relations.

Counterterrorism and northern Syria security

The guarantor nations reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. They expressed opposition to separatist movements threatening Syria’s territorial integrity and the security of neighboring states, including cross-border threats from northern Syria.

They highlighted the importance of countering separatist agendas, particularly west of the Euphrates, as crucial for regional security. The statement also condemned the Oct. 23 terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara.

Humanitarian aid and refugee assistance

Acknowledging Syria’s humanitarian crisis, the statement called for increased international aid and emphasized the need for uninterrupted aid delivery through U.N.-approved channels, including cross-border and cross-line routes into northwest Syria.

The countries advocated for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people, ensuring their rights to return and access assistance.

The statement reaffirmed that Syria’s crisis cannot be resolved militarily. The three countries reiterated their commitment to a sustainable, Syrian-led, U.N.-facilitated political process in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254.

They underscored the importance of the Syrian Constitutional Committee in advancing a political solution and pledged to support its work, urging that no bureaucratic or logistical obstacles hinder its efforts.

The countries concluded by reaffirming their commitment to ongoing collaboration on the release of detainees and abductees, as well as mechanisms promoting Syrian stability and reconstruction.

The statement announced plans for the next Astana Format tripartite summit of heads of state to be held in the Russian Federation. The 23rd International Meeting on Syria is set for the first half of 2025 in Astana.