Russia aims to normalize relations between Syria and Türkiye in light of the regional and global solidarity both countries received following the devastating earthquakes earlier this month.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov recently announced that Moscow is arranging a meeting that brings together the foreign ministers of Russia, Syria, Türkiye, and Iran.
Bogdanov's announcement carried a new indication of Russia's intention to include Iran in the ongoing efforts.
He said in an interview with TASS that the four countries had started work to determine the time and modality for a meeting of their foreign ministers.
"The organization of a four-way meeting of foreign ministers has been put on the agenda. Work is underway to determine its modality and time," said Bogdanov.
Regarding one of the main contentious issues between Damascus and Ankara, Bogdanov stressed that Moscow believed the presence of Turkish forces in Syria was temporary.
"That would make it possible to take advantage of the potential built up as part of the Astana process, which proved its effectiveness," Bogdanov said.
The diplomat asserted that the differences between Damascus and Ankara could be overcome, and Russia would continue to help the two states find acceptable solutions to normalize ties and restore the traditional good-neighborly relations.
Asked whether Syria and Türkiye would be able to restore diplomatic ties soon, Bogdanov said it was one of the goals of the final negotiation process.
He explained that restoring diplomatic relations and missions must be the outcome of joint efforts, saying Russia does not link the electoral process in Türkiye with the normalization of ties with Damascus.
The two countries' possible rapprochement and a return of ties is a long-term interest, not circumstantial, an issue that was discussed at the Astana tripartite summit in Tehran last summer, he added.
Bogdanov reiterated Russia's support for the proposal of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in December to launch a multi-level consultation between representatives of Syria and Türkiye with the help of Moscow, which could culminate in a summit.
During the meeting of defense ministers at the end of December, Bogdanov stated that Russia, Syria, and Türkiye established a mechanism that includes experts to coordinate joint action.
The discussions in December focused on advancing a political settlement and efforts to normalize relations between Ankara and Damascus.
Later, it was announced that the parties had started arranging a meeting for foreign ministers, which is expected to precede a Russian-Syrian-Turkish summit before May, the date of the presidential elections in Türkiye.
However, media leaks claimed Iran was dissatisfied with the efforts and ignored them because Tehran was not invited to the meetings.
Later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that his country agreed to include Iran in the track and confirmed that the "Astana track" trio was working closely to arrange the next meetings.
Russia is also determined to enhance economic and trade cooperation with Syria during the next stage.
He explained that Russian businessmen are increasingly interested in cooperating with Syria.
Bogdanov also criticized the term "early recovery" in Syria, indicating that it is used in the context of the West's refusal to allocate funds for the comprehensive reconstruction of Syria, noting that it is a term used by UN officials mainly as a "patchwork solution" that justifies their measures, no matter how modest, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
According to the official, Western donors categorically refuse to allocate funds for integrated post-conflict reconstruction in Syria and prevent their companies from participating.
