Türkiye, Russia, Iran to lead 22nd round of Syria talks in Kazakhstan
Presidents of Türkiye, Russia, Iran in high level Syria talks in Astana, Kazakhstan on November 22, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Presidency)
The 22nd International Meeting on Syria, organized under the Astana process by guarantor nations Türkiye, Russia, and Iran, is set to take place in Kazakhstan’s capital on Nov. 11-12, according to an announcement from the Kazakh Foreign Ministry on Friday.
The two-day gathering will bring together delegations for a series of bilateral and trilateral discussions, culminating in a plenary session and a press conference. The talks will focus on the latest developments in Syria, ongoing efforts toward a comprehensive resolution, and the current situation on the ground in the war-torn country.
The agenda includes measures aimed at building confidence among conflicting parties, such as the release of hostages and efforts to locate missing persons. Humanitarian initiatives are also expected to be a focal point, with discussions on mobilizing international support for Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction and establishing conditions conducive to the voluntary return of refugees.
Launched in 2017, the Astana process was spearheaded by Türkiye, Russia, and Iran as a platform to find a political solution to the Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011. The format has since facilitated multiple rounds of negotiations, addressing various aspects of the conflict, including ceasefire agreements and de-escalation zones.
The last round of talks, held in January in Astana, featured Türkiye’s delegation led by then Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz. This upcoming session marks a continuation of diplomatic efforts to navigate the complexities of the Syrian conflict and to seek a path toward sustainable peace in the region.
Officials anticipate that this round of discussions will further the dialogue on stabilizing Syria, particularly in light of ongoing challenges in the region. As in previous meetings, the talks will provide a platform for key stakeholders to address critical issues, exchange perspectives, and explore potential solutions to the protracted crisis.
The Astana talks are widely seen as a complement to the United Nations-led peace efforts, providing a parallel forum for the guarantor countries to influence the dynamics of the Syrian conflict and push for diplomatic resolutions.
