UPDATE - Turkish, Russian, Syrian, Iranian foreign ministers likely to meet in early May in Moscow

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS FROM TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - A meeting between foreign ministers of Türkiye, Russia, Iran, and Syria is likely to be held in early May in Moscow, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said on Monday.

"We think it will happen in a period like the beginning of May, according to the preliminary information we received from the Russians. It will be in Moscow ... It is currently scheduled for early May," Cavusoglu said in an interview broadcast live on Turkish broadcaster A Haber.

Cavusoglu said the issue was also discussed during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to the capital Ankara last Friday.

All these talks aim to revive the political process, lasting stability and peace, fight against terrorism, and guarantee Syria's border and territorial integrity, he added.

Stressing the need for a permanent solution to rebuild Syria, the minister said: "A lasting peace is important for all of us."

Cavusoglu also said that in the upcoming meeting, the four ministers may also prepare for a possible leaders' summit.

Last December, defense ministers and intelligence chiefs of Türkiye, Russia, and the Syrian regime met in Moscow and agreed to continue tripartite meetings to ensure stability in Syria and the wider region.

Iran was also included in the talks, with Türkiye previously saying that Ankara would be "pleased if Iran is involved in this process."

The upcoming foreign ministers' meeting would continue restarting high-level talks between Türkiye and its neighbor Syria since that country’s civil war began in 2011.

- Ties with Egypt

Cavusoglu said that Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will pay a visit to Türkiye later this week.

"We said that we have started working on the appointment of ambassadors ... Finally, we come to this stage. We can announce this during Shoukry's visit to Türkiye. We will consult when he comes (to Türkiye).

"We were very well received in Egypt. Our visit was extremely positive. Now is the time to slowly take concrete steps," he added.

On March 18, Cavusoglu paid a visit to the capital Cairo, marking the first time in 11 years that a Turkish foreign minister visited Egypt.

During his visit to Cairo, Cavusoglu said Türkiye and Egypt will raise diplomatic relations to the highest level "as soon as possible."

Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Egypt are maintained at the level of charges d'affaires on both sides since Egypt's 2013 military coup which overthrew the late President Mohammed Morsi.