Erdogan Warns Putin: Clashes in Syria’s Suwayda Pose Regional Security Risk
ISTANBUL, July 19 (VOM-Voice of Malaysia)— Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised alarm over the escalating unrest in southern Syria, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that recent clashes in Suwayda threaten the broader stability of the region.
In a phone call held on Friday, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, regional conflicts, and global diplomatic issues, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Erdogan expressed concern about the fallout from the Syrian regime’s withdrawal from Suwayda, a southern province with a majority Druze population, which has seen growing unrest in recent weeks. He emphasized that ongoing instability there could have spillover effects beyond Syria’s borders.
“The developments in Suwayda following the Syrian forces’ retreat pose a threat to the region,” Erdogan told Putin, according to the Turkish presidency.
He reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and reconstruction in Syria, while also stressing that Israel must respect Syria’s sovereignty.
The leaders also touched on the war in Ukraine, with Erdogan urging the resumption of direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
“Türkiye stands ready to host the third round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul as soon as both sides agree on a date,” Erdogan stated.
According to a separate Kremlin readout, Putin expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s continued offer to mediate and reaffirmed Russia’s preference for a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The call also covered economic cooperation. Putin welcomed the outcomes of the Russian-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which held a high-level meeting on June 27. Both leaders agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties between their countries.
The two presidents concluded the call by pledging to remain in close communication on all the matters discussed, underscoring the importance of Turkish-Russian coordination amid growing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
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