Assad Sets Conditions for Meeting Erdogan Amid Syria-Turkey Tensions

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated he would only consider meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan if the discussions focus on Turkey's support for 'terrorism' and the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria. Relations between the two countries were severed in 2011 following Syria's civil war.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced on Monday his conditional willingness to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Assad emphasized that any meeting would need to address core issues such as Ankara's alleged support for 'terrorism' and the removal of Turkish forces from Syrian territories.

Turkey had cut off diplomatic relations with Syria in 2011, supporting rebels who sought to overthrow Assad. Despite these actions, Turkey has established a 'safe zone' in northern Syria and conducted multiple cross-border operations, which it claims are essential for its national security.

In July, Erdogan expressed his readiness to invite Assad for talks aimed at mending relations. However, Assad insisted that the discussions must center on terrorism and territorial issues. He stated that any meeting would be meaningless without these critical discussions. Assad remains open to initiatives that could improve bilateral relations if the foundational issues are addressed.

(With inputs from agencies.)