No Plans for Erdogan-Assad Meeting, Confirms Turkish Diplomatic Source

A Turkish diplomatic source has refuted claims that President Tayyip Erdogan will meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in August. The newspaper Daily Sabah reported a possible meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin mediating, but officials have denied such plans. The relations between Turkey and Syria remain complex.

A Turkish diplomatic source has dismissed reports that President Tayyip Erdogan will meet Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, labeling the news as incorrect.

The Daily Sabah newspaper had suggested that a meeting could take place in August in Moscow, mediated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the diplomatic source speaking to journalists confirmed there was no such plan.

Turkey has been a strong backer of Assad's opponents since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, while Russia has supported Assad's government. Despite restored diplomatic relations with some Arab states, Damascus remains at odds with Ankara, which continues to shelter anti-Assad rebels in northwest Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that improving Turkish-Syrian relations is on Russia's agenda but did not confirm any specific plans.