Talks With Turkey Continue: Agreement Need to Be Reached About Last Rebels in Syria

Today, the defense ministers of Russia and Turkey have discussed the necessity to take decisive measures to ensure security in the demilitarized zone in Idlib, Syria. The defense ministers met in Ankara. Their joint declaration states that it's necessary to maintain cooperation between intelligence services and the armed forces of the two countries.

Today, the defense ministers of Russia and Turkey have discussed the necessity to take decisive measures to ensure security in the demilitarized zone in Idlib, Syria. The defense ministers met in Ankara. Their joint declaration states that it's necessary to maintain cooperation between intelligence services and the armed forces of the two countries.

Boris Maksudov has the details.

 

This is the building of the Defense Ministry of Turkey. The delegation from Moscow was welcomed with all of the military honors. The Russian anthem, which is necessary for official visits, was performed by the military band. There were a red carpet and an honor guard. The local nature seemed to have prepared for the warm welcome, too. It was +57°F in Ankara.

The first conversation between Sergei Shoigu and Hulusi Akar took place amid camera shutter clicking. The formal meeting is just a visible part of military diplomacy. The main part takes place at a negotiating table. Journalists were allowed to be present only for the first two minutes.

Sergei Shoigu, Defense Minister of Russia: "Our experts were working from January 31st to February 2nd in Moscow. They did a lot to negotiate the issues which are most important to the settlement of the Syrian issue. They concern further stabilization in the zone of Idlib and everything on the eastern bank of Euphrates, of course".

There's no time difference between Moscow and Ankara. Both capitals are located in the same time zone. However, each country has its own position on the Syrian issue and its own interests. This was the matter for discussion.

The main purpose of that working visit is to make preparations for the meeting in Sochi. On February 14th, both ministers will take part in the summit of Russia, Turkey, and Iran. The future of the Syrian Republic will be the main topic. The comfortability and productivity of the upcoming summit largely depend on today's dialogue of the defense ministers.

Although Sergei Shoigu and his counterpart used an interpreter's help, experience suggests that the Russian and the Turkish military can come to an agreement.

Boris Maksudov, Konstantin Morozov for Vesti from Ankara.