Syria Must Be Freed from Illegal Foreign Military Presence: Outcomes of Putin-Erdogan Meeting

Russia shares Turkey's concerns regarding the rise of separatist sentiments in Syria that are artificially fueled from the outside, stated Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to him, nothing can be achieved without cooperation based on mutual respect between Turkey and Syria.

"The defense of peace and calm at the border must be jointly carried out by Turks and Syrians. Here, cooperation based on mutual respect between Turkey and Syria is essential," he said after negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as reported by news.am.

Putin announced that Moscow and Ankara have agreed on several protocols concerning the situation in northern Syria. He emphasized the need for the commencement of extensive dialogue between the Kurds and the Syrian government.

"Syria must be freed from the illegal foreign military presence. We believe that lasting stability in Syria can only be achieved by preserving the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a principled position, and we discussed this in detail with the Turkish president. It is important that our Turkish allies share this approach," Putin noted.