Turkey in Close Contact With Russia on Idlib Ceasefire in Syria - Defense Minister
Turkey has been working closely with Russia to maintain ceasefire in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib after their presidents agreed to set up a demilitarized zone, the Turkish defense minister said
ANKARA (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 12th January, 2019) Turkey has been working closely with Russia to maintain ceasefire in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib after their presidents agreed to set up a demilitarized zone, the Turkish defense minister said.
"All efforts are being made to maintain ceasefire, stability under Sochi agreement. Our close cooperation with Russia continues in this manner," Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by the Hurriyet daily.
The defense minister spoke at a meeting with Chief of General Staff Yasar Guler, Land Forces Commander Umit Dundar, and intelligence chief Hakan Fidan in Turkey's southern Hatay region bordering Syria.
Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed last September to create a buffer zone in Idlib to separate Syrian government forces and armed opposition groups. The deal was implemented by mid-October. The two countries also signed a memorandum on how to achieve stability in the demilitarized zone.