Meeting on Syria in Astana process held in Kazakhstan’s Nur Sultan

ISTANBUL (AA) – The 18th round of the international meeting on Syria in Astana format was held on June 15-16 in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan.

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, during the Astana peace talks, the situation on the ground and counter-terrorism, latest developments in the political process, and humanitarian aid issues were discussed, and a joint statement was released.

The Astana peace process was launched in January 2017 at the initiative of Türkiye, Russia, and Iran. Its meetings also contribute to the advancement of the UN-led diplomatic process in Geneva.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the parties stressed their strong commitment to Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity and the leading role of the Astana process in the peaceful settlement of the Syrian issue.

They voiced their determination against the separatist agendas that pose threat to the national security of neighboring countries, including through cross-border attacks and infiltrations.

The parties also condemned the increased presence and activities of terrorist groups and their affiliates under different names in Syria. They underlined the necessity to implement all arrangements related to the north of Syria.

Syria has been ravaged by a civil war since early 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters with unexpected ferocity.