Russia’s Lavrov to hold talks with Turkish, Iranian FMs in Doha on Syria’s stability

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that he will meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Doha to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria. The main focus of the meeting will be to address recent developments and work toward stabilizing the region.

Why it matters

This meeting is significant because Syria remains a highly contested region, with multiple global powers involved. Russia, Türkiye, and Iran have been key players in shaping Syria’s future through the Astana Process, a peace initiative launched in 2017.

Given the ongoing instability and the involvement of various foreign actors, these discussions could have important consequences for Syria’s long-term stability.

Key points of Lavrov’s statements

• Syria’s stability:
  Lavrov emphasized the importance of stabilizing Syria, which has been torn apart by years of civil war. The meeting will focus on addressing security concerns in Idlib, where violence continues, and the movement of terrorist groups. The discussions are expected to concentrate on ensuring the effective implementation of de-escalation agreements in the region.

• Astana process and future talks:
  Lavrov highlighted the regular meetings held under the Astana Process, where Russia, Türkiye, and Iran have been working to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Another summit is planned for the end of this year or early 2025, continuing diplomatic efforts to address Syria’s challenges.
• U.S.-Russia relations and Ukraine conflict:
  Lavrov also addressed U.S.-Russia relations, particularly regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He denied that the two countries are in direct conflict, stressing that Russia seeks normal relations with the U.S.
• Lavrov criticized U.S. financial support for Ukraine, stating it has escalated the conflict. He also compared the death toll in Ukraine to that of Gaza, noting that the casualties in Ukraine since 2014 have far exceeded those in Gaza in the past year.

• Istanbul Peace Talks and Boris Johnson:
  Lavrov recalled that Ukraine presented a peace proposal in Istanbul in 2022, which Russia was willing to accept. However, he accused former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson of blocking the agreement, suggesting that the U.S. and U.K. played a role in preventing peace efforts and prolonging the war in Ukraine.
• Concerns over nuclear conflict:
  Lavrov also responded to concerns about the risk of nuclear war, criticizing Western officials for making statements that downplay the potential consequences. He reaffirmed that Russia does not seek a nuclear conflict and referenced PresidentVladimir Putin’s remarks that a peaceful resolution could be achieved through negotiations.

Bigger picture

This meeting takes place amid rising geopolitical tensions, not only in Syria but also in Ukraine. The involvement of global powers like the U.S., Russia, and the U.K. continues to shape the global security landscape. The outcome of these discussions between Russia, Türkiye, and Iran could influence the future of both Syria and Ukraine.

Why it’s important now

The Syrian conflict remains unresolved, with foreign powers holding competing interests. The talks between Russia, Türkiye, and Iran are crucial for determining Syria’s future and may offer a way to stabilize the region.

Additionally, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict adds another layer of complexity to global diplomacy, making the outcomes of these discussions significant for international relations.