Astana format talks on Syria held in Kazakh capital

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - A new round of talks on the settlement of the Syrian conflict was held on Monday and Tuesday in Kazakhstan's capital Astana, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

During their 22nd meeting, the participants in the Astana format, which includes Iran, Russia, Syria, Türkiye, and the UN, discussed the impact of regional developments on Syria, and assessed the security, humanitarian, and economic situation within the country, along with counter-terrorism efforts, said a Monday ministry statement.

The discussion also explored ways to revive the political process, which is the “only path towards a comprehensive solution to the conflict in Syria," it stated.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties stressed in a joint statement the major role of the Astana Process in fostering an enduring resolution of the crisis.

Condemning the Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon as well as in West Bank, the joint statement said that the parties called on the international community and the UN Security Council to ensure a lasting cease-fire and increase in humanitarian assistance.

The parties also condemned Israeli attacks in Syria.

They also "expressed their determination to continue working together to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stand against separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and threatening the national security of the neighbouring countries, including through cross-border attacks and infiltrations."

Condemning activities of terrorist groups including the Oct 23 terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in the Turkish capital Ankara and their affiliates operating under various names in various parts of Syria, the parties also underscored the necessity for full implementation of all arrangements concerning northern Syria.

The representatives of the participant countries also agreed to reconvene for their 23rd meeting on Syria in the first half of 2025.